Merrily overtaking the vehicle in front of you to reach your destination faster may land you in police trouble. Traffic cops in Patna are set to crack the whip to check reckless driving.

The new traffic superintendent of police (SP), Chandrika Prasad, told The Telegraph on Monday that four to five roads in the city would be selected in phases-and turned into “no-overtaking stretches” to prevent motorists from indulging in rash driving.

Prasad said chaotic driving was one of the main reasons for snarls on the city streets.

“Motorists change lanes at will. Thoroughfares without dividers are the worst affected. Making some roads no-overtaking zones would sort out this problem,” he added.

The SP also said: “The police would select four to five roads. Cars would not be allowed to overtake each other or change lanes on these stretches. The rule would be enforced for a month till motorists get accustomed to it. Then, a different set of roads would be selected and the experiment would be repeated. We hope to make a difference with this drive.”

Though Prasad did not specify how the errant drivers would be penalised, sources said they would have to cough up fines.

The traffic SP also spoke on how he plans to solve traffic problems that plague the streets of the capital. He said: “Bailey Road is one of the most important thoroughfares and it needs to be freed from encroachments. Many vendors and makeshift stall owners park their carts on the road. We would ask them to move their carts to a side so that motorist can move freely.”

He also said the traffic police would try to get the defunct signals in the city repaired.

The officer added: “As the roads near Patna Junction remains clogged all the time, we want to construct a subway with the help of other government departments concerned. This will take a lot of time and planning.”