Oct. 12: The city’s traffic police department is planning a drive against violation of traffic signals at the main traffic intersections.

Additional superintendent of police (traffic) Arabinda Kalita said the drive would begin at Chandmari, where a private firm has already installed a manual traffic signalling system. Traffic markings are to be painted afresh.

The police officer said many people had developed the habit of crossing the stop-point mark at red light intersections or rushing ahead of others.

“This obstructs smooth flow of traffic from opposite ends and leads to snarls, particularly during the peak hours. So, we have decided to strictly enforce traffic regulations at these traffic junctions.”

Anybody found violating a traffic signal is liable to be fined Rs 500 under Section 179 of the Motor Vehicles Act.

Kalita said another manual traffic signalling system was being installed in the Supermarket area and the task was likely to be completed next week.

“We will do likewise at the other major traffic intersections, including Maligaon Chariali, T.C Girls High School, Six Mile and Bhangagarh. The traffic signalling system will help police personnel to enforce the rules strictly. The zebra crossings will be marked afresh for the benefit of pedestrians.”

The extent of violation of traffic rules in the city can be gauged from the fact that the traffic police department collects between Rs 1.5 lakh and Rs 2 lakh as fines every week.

However, the city traffic branch has only 284 personnel at its disposal to enforce traffic rules and regulations in the 3,600 roads criss-crossing the city.