The Sati Choura crossing and (right) traffic cops talk to a two-wheeler rider without helmet in Cuttack. Pictures by Badrika Nath Das

Cuttack, March 1: The concept of zero-tolerance zone has been introduced in the city from today. Police have decided not to tolerate any traffic violation particularly at Sati Choura crossing, which has now been converted into a zero tolerance zone.

“As per decision of the traffic management committee, the first zero-tolerance zone has been introduced from today. The new concept will help regulate traffic at Sati Choura crossing,” said deputy commissioner of police S. Praveen Kumar.

Kumar said, there were plans to convert Madhupatna and Khannagar traffic signals into the zero-tolerance zones in subsequent periods.

Sources said Sati Choura had been converted into the zero-tolerance zone as it would be a learning experience from the traffic cops to implement the same at other crossings, including Madhupatna, which is one of the busiest junctions where traffic from the city and National Highway 5 converges.

Earlier, the police had decided to introduce the zero-tolerance concept at Sati Choura from February 15.

Owing to non-completion of major works, including expansion of road, removal of encroachments and installation of highmast light, the zero-tolerance rules had missed its deadline then.

With the introduction of the zone, it is expected that the cops would ensure strict enforcement of traffic rules at the crossing and immediate action would be taken against the violators.

Riders without helmets, seat belts, triple riding, overspeeding, crossing the zebra lines, driving on the wrong side and using phone while driving would be penalised.

Traffic officials said eight traffic constables would be deployed apart from four officers to ensure discipline and check violation of traffic rules at Sati Choura.

No traffic violation would be tolerated at the crossing from 8am to 9pm and fines would be collected only after creating awareness among the commuters for another couple of days.

“There was no need of introducing the zero-tolerance zone as the commuters are having a harrowing time in dealing with traffic congestion on city roads that lack basic infrastructure,” said Zaved Anjum, a commuter.

Anjum said a motorcyclist could only drive at a maximum speed of 20-30km per hour within the city limits because of the rush. Under such circumstances, the traffic cops should not fine the commuters atleast within the city for not wearing helmets.

A lot of commuters have, however, welcomed the move to introduce the zero-tolerance zone here.

“Traffic violations have reduced to a larger extent at AG Square in Bhubaneswar, where the concept of zero tolerance was introduced last year. We hope that the traffic violations would also reduce at Sati Choura as well,” said Manoj Swain, another commuter.