220 vehicles impounded in first 8hrs of new traffic rule enforcement

New Delhi, Apr 9 (UNI) Nearly 5000 motorists were fined and 220 vehicles impounded in the city on day one of new traffic rules coming into force.

Armed with strict High Court directions against traffic violations as unwarranted beacon lights, loud music, pressure honking, talking on mobile phone while driving and banging sides of buses, the police started punching of licences for every traffic violation.

''More than Rs 17 lakh was collected from 4,571 traffic violators,'' said a senior police official adding that of these licences of 1,333 people were punched and 220 vehicles impounded.

The above figures indicate violations till 1400 hrs, first eight hours of the day beginning 0600 hrs, and the total amount collected as fine was Rs 17,64,100, he elaborated.

As per the court order, citing Section 207 of the Motor Vehicles Act, vehicles could be impounded if they had tinted glass, above the prescribed limit of shade, using of pressure horns and unauthorised beacon lights.

Besides this, five punches in the licence would render it invalid.

Since morning about 2,500 personnel kept a check on violations all over the city leading to relatively safer traffic with fewer violations than normal days, showing that public was aware of the new traffic regulations, said another officer.

Refusing to elaborate on the 'specific' violators, the official said the day's final figure was possible only by late evening as by then the Circle Officer deposits the money with the 'munshi' while tallying the final number of violations, he added.

Under the new rules, drivers working under 'public service' category which includes the 'Blueline' bus service, must wear a uniform and sport a name plate and badge.

Also, commercial motorists are not allowed to overload, encroach on roads, park near bus stops or whistle during vehicle movement.

And with an additional fine of Rs 500 facing the erring drivers, Delhi could hope to become a shade safer or two.

UNI