Traffic police file 228 FIRs against heavy vehicle drivers

Mumbai: As part of the effort to decongest city roads during monsoon and to prevent violation of traffic rules, the Mumbai traffic police have registered FIRs against 228 heavy vehicle drivers in the past fortnight for plying on the extreme right side of the road

Mumbai: As part of the effort to decongest city roads during monsoon and to prevent violation of traffic rules, the Mumbai traffic police have registered FIRs against 228 heavy vehicle drivers in the past fortnight for plying on the extreme right side of the road.

Kalyan, India - Nov. 25, 2020:Despite the prohibition of movement of heavy vehicles on the Govindwadi bypass road in Kalyan (West) activists claims that heavy vehicles still ply on that road. On Monday night a huge container rammed into the speed breaker followed by which the entire road was blocked for two days in Kalyan, India, on Wednesday, November 25, 2020. (Photo by Rishikesh Choudhary/ HT PHOTO) (HT PHOTO)

The police have also issued 9,519 e-challans of ₹102,56,050 against errant heavy vehicle drivers for entering the city limits and plying on the roads during the peak hours.

The crackdown on violators is part of the traffic police’s special drive, which was launched on June 13. The police also found that several heavy vehicle drivers flout motor vehicle rules, and also lack lane discipline while driving, which causes traffic congestion.

Raj Tilak Roushan, deputy commissioner of police (traffic) on June 12, in a statement, said, “It is necessary that a heavy vehicle driver should drive on the left side of the road. And this has already been mentioned in the Motor Vehicle Rule.” “It has been observed that most of the time, heavy vehicle drivers drive on the right side of the road, creating traffic congestion and causing inconvenience to others. Occasionally, such carelessness causes road accidents too,” read his statement.

All these aspects are prime reasons why the traffic cops are taking action against them.

Roushan shared that the influx of heavy vehicles entering the city from Dahisar and Mulund toll booths had added to traffic jams in Mumbai. “In monsoon, it is essential to decongest traffic. Due to shifts in office timings, it is essential to keep the roads free of heavy vehicles,” said Roshan. The officers said that after the vehicles are spotted plying on city roads, they ensure that the vehicles remain parked near entry points, and are only moved when permitted. “Every day, we penalise at least 800 vehicles which can go up to 1,000 on some days,” added Roshan.

The drivers of heavy vehicles found flouting the traffic rules are made to park during ban hours and are issued e-challans of ₹500.

Kalim Asgar, who frequently commutes between Bandra and Chembur, hailed the move. “In my observance, tanker drivers mostly drive on the right side of the road throughout the day, causing not only traffic to slow down but dropping water too. The rule will ensure discipline and prevent traffic jams,” shared Asgar.

The traffic police had also issued a warning to the heavy vehicle drivers against flouting rules before starting the drive.

Apart from registering FIRs, heavy vehicles are also being penalised for violating the notification of not entering the city limits from 8 am to 11 am and 5 pm to 9 pm. Private buses have also been restricted in city limits from 7 am till midnight.