Drivers flouting rules fined

A three-hour drive by the highway police on the Mumbai-Pune expressway on Thursday, resulted in fining 242 errant drivers and a collection of Rs 42,300 as fine.

A three-hour drive by the highway police on the Mumbai-Pune expressway on Thursday, resulted in fining 242 errant drivers and a collection of Rs 42,300 as fine.

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This comes a month after the highway police began fining errant drivers. Between August 15 and September 15, state highway police registered 19030 cases, collecting a fine of Rs 24 lakh.

“Majority of accidents occur due to speeding and rash driving,” said Shekhar BG Superintendent of Police highway traffic (Thane), who was present at the drive.

Fifty-five police officers equipped with speed guns and speed meters stood on the expressway during the drive.

In 2008, there were 644 mishaps on the expressway, in which 165 people lost their lives, 239 people were seriously injured while 117 suffered minor injuries.

With 12,397 deaths (in 2008) on the 15 national highways in the state, including the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, Maharashtra contributes over 10 percent of the national road death toll. A total of 5,892 deaths have been reported till June.