Police to introduce zero tolerance zone at Khannagar traffic crossing in Cuttack. Pictures by Badrika Nath Das

Cuttack, July 7: The police are set to introduce the “zero tolerance zone” system in the city soon. After successfully implementing the method in Bhubaneswar, the authorities would now introduce it at Khannagar crossing.

“The zero tolerance zone would be from Khannagar traffic signal and all traffic violations would be dealt with strictly,” said police commissioner B.K. Sharma.

Initially, the zero tolerance zone would be introduced at Khannagar and subsequently, other traffic signals in the city would also be covered under the system. Sharma said that according to the high court’s order, a committee has been formed comprising officials of various departments. A meeting is also held every month and all the programmes are subsequently reviewed.

The focus is on overcoming the problem of traffic congestion, improving road conditions and making the roads free from encroachments by launching special eviction drives. Highlighting the importance of the zero tolerance zones that had already been introduced in two places, including AG Square in Bhubaneswar, the police commissioner said that there had been a sharp fall in the traffic rule violations there.

Usually, violations such as, driving without helmets, triple riding, reckless driving, signal violation, cars touching the zebra crossing, driving on the wrong side, talking on mobile phone while driving, not wearing seatbelts and overloading, would be dealt strictly in the zero tolerance zones.

Khannagar traffic crossing is the converging point for the vehicles coming from Badambadi, Khannagar and Purighat sides via Ring Road.

Everyday, hundreds of vehicles, including heavy vehicles, ply on Ring Road, which is also being used by hundreds of commuters, school and college goers.

“The Khannagar crossing is the ideal place for launching the zero tolerance zone as there is adequate space for commuters to wait at the signal. It will also help check traffic violations, particularly at the traffic signal,” said Ashok Prusty, 45, a commuter.

Police sources said the eviction drive to decongest roads had been by and large successful. Efforts are also on to ensure that the evicted places are not encroached upon again. A massive eviction drive would be launched at four roads — Choudhry Bazar, Gaurishankar Park, Cuttack Municipal Corporation Road and Matamatha Road — by this month.

“There has been a rise in traffic violations and Rs 18 lakh have been collected his month as fine in the city,” Sharma said.