Rs 50 lakh collected from 11,500 traffic violators, 600 veh seized

New Delhi, Apr 10 (UNI) Nearly 50 lakh rupees filled the police coffers in one-and-a-half days of 'monitoring' traffic violations, which saw 11,500 violators booked and more than 600 vehicles impounded ever since the Delhi Traffic Police's 'special enforcement drive' began yesterday.

The drive, which begins at 0600 hrs and ends at 2200 hrs, also saw the punching of 2,585 driving licences. Five such punches would render it invalid.

About Rs 4,854,100 were collected from 11,523 violators, till 1400 hrs, said the police.

While 4,142 violators were booked today and Rs 1,820,200 received in fines from them, 185 vehicles were impounded and licences of 1,128 people punched, till 1400 hrs, challaning of 7,381 violators led to the recovery of Rs 3,0,33,900 yesterday which also saw 445 vehicles seized and 1,457 driving licences punched.

Armed with strict High Court directions against traffic violations against unwarranted beacon lights, loud music, pressure honking, talking on mobile phones while driving and banging sides of buses, the police braved the day's heat to go all out against violations leading to record recoveries.

The 'new drive' did make journey of 'aam Delhiite' safer with most trying to toe the official line.

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.

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