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A policeman pulls up bikers riding without helmets near MGM Medical College in Dimna on Tuesday. (Bhola Prasad)
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The traffic wing of East Singhbhum police is patting itself on its back for cracking down on errant vehicles, which has made it richer by several lakhs.
Buoyed by the success of its initiatives, especially the helmet and no-parking drives, which has not only disciplined drivers violating the motor vehicles act but also resulted in collection of spot fines to the tune of Rs 8.5 lakh in January, the department is planning more such tough actions.
“We have succeeded in creating an impact on vehicle owners, especially two-wheeler riders by carrying out random helmet checking drives in January. We are certainly going to beef up the vigil,” Rakesh Mohan Sinha, deputy superintendent of police (DSP), told The Telegraph.
The department’s next target will be minibuses, which have drawn the attention of the traffic guardians for flouting road rules.
“From now on, minibuses cannot take passengers from just anywhere. There are several designated stops for minibuses and they have to lift passengers from those places only. If any bus is found doing otherwise, a spot fine of Rs 500 will be slapped,” Sinha said.
Apart from minibuses, auto operators will also face the music. The department has decided to launch a drive to check permits of three-wheelers and licences of the drivers.
Acting on the instruction of SSP Akhilesh Kumar Jha, the traffic department had launched a month-long drive against riding without helmets, triple-riding and drunk driving from January 1. The main objective was to curb road mishaps and eve-teasing during New Year. Though January is over, the drive is continuing.
At present, helmet checking is being carried out at Bistupur, Sakchi, Golmuri and Jugsalai for three hours from 11am almost every day. According to sources, till now, spot fines have been slapped on over 5,000 two-wheeler riders.
The DSP (traffic) said they decided to extend the special drive till February for the interest of public. “Safe driving is our priority. As the month-long drive succeeded in disciplining two-wheelers, especially youngsters, we decided to extend the drive, including helmet-checking, so that people are made thoroughly aware of traffic rules,” said Sinha.
Significantly, the number of fatal accidents in the city has come down since the drive was started. While in December 17 people died in road mishaps, the number was 11 in January.
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