Bhubaneswar: Concern over rising cases of rash driving under the influence of alcohol has forced the police and transport department to crack down on errant drivers.

The decision was taken after a number of road accidents took place in the city in the past month.

The police said around 30 accidents took place in the city in late in night in the city in the past month. However, most of these accidents were not fatal.

"We saw dew affect visibility in the past few weeks on major roads. In this situation drunk driving has emerged as a major concern," said a police officer.

Statistics suggested that 186 people died in 598 accidents in 2016 while the city witnessed 600 accidents in 2015 killing 175 people.

The police said around 40 per cent of accidents in the city were caused by drink driving. Deputy commissioner of police Satyabrata Bhoi advised residents to carry driving licence and other documents.

"Drivers who are drunk will not be allowed to drive and their vehicles taken to the police station," said Bhoi.

The police said Janpath, a major road in the city, will be the priority. Several youths are seen driving rashly on the stretch connecting Vani Vihar and Sishu Bhavan Square. The police said they would put up blockades on the stretch to nab errant drivers.

A transport official said they would begin the drive from Jayadev Vihar and Patia stretches.

"Several bar-cum-restaurants are located there. Most drivers also drive their vehicles at brisk speed and endanger the lives of others," said regional transport officer, Bhubaneswar II, S.K. Behera.

He also said the errant drivers would not only face penal action, but also suspension of driving licence for repeat offence.