5,935 traffic violators in city penalised in 72 hrs

Ranchi: Traffic police in Ranchi have penalised 5,935 persons for flouting traffic norms on city roads since May 30. A total of 3,335 challans were issued for several violations on Tuesday. Of them, 1,804 persons were penalised for riding two-wheelers without helmets and 1,200 were fined for illegally parking their vehicles.

Intensive vehicle checking drive began in the state capital after chief minister Hemant Soren conducted a surprise inspection of city roads late on Sunday. Over the past 48 hours, 2,600 challans were issued for traffic violations. Of them, 27 persons were penalised for drunk driving.

Traffic SP Rakesh Singh said, “The drive began on Sunday and will continue for a week. The drive was launched to clear traffic congestion from various parts of the city and ensure smooth traffic flow, especially in the evening.”

“Most people avoid travelling during the day in summer, as it is hot, and so the traffic in the evening increases, creating congestion. In addition, various people block roads by parking their vehicles or two-wheelers anywhere they feel like, and autos and totos block various crossroads by parking their vehicles near the crossroads (Chowks), he explained.

Traffic police on the other hand informed that 12 persons were detected driving under influence of alcohol late on Monday. A day earlier, 15 persons were found driving under the influence of alcohol. Their vehicles have been seized by the police.

“A total of Rs 4,600 were collected in penalties for several traffic violations in the last 48 hours, including driving without helmet and license and rash, under-age driving among others,” the traffic police said.

Police have appealed people to cooperate during the anti-crime drives and immediate dial 112 in case of suspicious activity in their area. Meanwhile, Sadar sub-divisional officer Kumar Rajat also conducted a campaign on Monday night at Kutchery Chowk, Bada Talaab, Harmu Chowk and Gadikhana Chowk against unnecessary gatherings of people and use of addictive substances at public places warning youths of unwanted gatherings at night.