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Fed up with rash driving on the streets of the capital? Of leering teenagers behind the wheels who have scant regard for their own safety and even less of others? Of two-wheeler riders who risk life and limb by talking on cell phones while speeding?
Well here is heartening news. Concerned over the devil may care attitude of drivers and the blatant manner in which every rule in the book was being flouted, the Ranchi traffic police embarked on a drive on January 1 to put an end to the menace once and for all. And the results have been encouraging.
Over the last nine days, more than 400 offenders have been booked. Driving licences of 25 traffic violators have been cancelled, 150 have been fined Rs 1,000 each for blaring music in their cars, another 100 have had to pay Rs 500 for using their mobile phones while driving and 150 car owners coughed up Rs 1,000 each for flaunting tinted glasses.
The capital has 62 traffic posts manned by four personnel each who are keeping an eye out for offenders.
“The drive will continue for the next few months till we get the desired results with motorists becoming aware that violating traffic rules is a serious offence,” superintendent of police (traffic) Chandrashekhar Prasad said.
“This time we are not leaving any scope for traffic violators to escape and repeat the offence,” he added.
According to the senior officer, those offenders caught playing loud music in their cars were nabbed from near Ranchi Women’s College, Marwari Girls College and Nirmala College.
“We had received complaints from girls about this menace. Those who were caught were in their teens and were trying to attract the attention of girls in this manner. It’s a form of eve-teasing which is increasing in the city. Besides they invite accidents due to lack of concentration,” Prasad said, adding that they intervened to ensure girls remained safe and did not become victims of such crimes.
Speaking about those who speak on their mobile phones while driving, the SP said the maximum number of violators were caught and fined near RIMS Chowk, Sarjana Chowk, Albert Ekka Chowk and Ratu Road.
“Many were driving with their families in the car. So it was not only putting themselves, but others at risk too,” Prasad said.
Excuses from drivers for breaking rules were aplenty. “We refused to listen to excuses and cancelled licences for speeding, illegal parking and reckless driving in different parts of the city,” the traffic SP said.
Moreover, those caught using tinted glass were fined immediately.
“We do not wish to take any chances. Cars with tinted glass are dangerous for girls,” Prasad said.
Meanwhile, the traffic police have convened a meeting of auto drivers and truck drivers on January 4, asking them to stop playing obscene music in their vehicles and follow traffic rules.
“In case they are found guilty we will be cancelling their permits,” Prasad warned.
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