Fewer challans for odd-even violations this time

There were fewer challans issued for violations in the second round of odd-even compared to the same period in first edition.

There were fewer challans issued for violations in the second round of odd-even compared to the same period in first edition.

“Despite challenges and hot weather, more people followed the rule,” said transport minister Gopal Rai. But transport department sources said it was because enforcement teams at the borders were asked to send back violators, instead of challaning them.

Delhi Police figures also suggest that violators are mostly challaned in central Delhi and not in the outskirts.

Government data showed 6,768 persons were challaned for violation in the first 10 days of the first phase, while the figure reduced to 5,814 in the second phase.

A transport department official said 120 vehicles, each carrying a six-member team, were hired for odd-even enforcement. The government spent at least ` 20,000 per day on each vehicle, he said.

“But the team’s focus has shifted. First it was surge pricing and now auto drivers, we have been asked to take action against other violations,” said a transport department official. This distracted the teams from challaning violators of odd-even rules, he said.