18 February,2009 09:20 AM IST | | Kaumudi Gurjar
In a bid to enforce traffic rules, collect Rs 21 lakh in fines from 16,200u00a0 four-wheeler drivers since February 1; 85 per cent Puneites now wear seat belts and follow traffic rules
The Pune traffic police, in a bid to enforce traffic rules, collected Rs 21 lakh in fines from 16,200 four-wheeler drivers since February 1.
The drive is in keeping with SC guidelines that require drivers of four-wheel light motor vehicles, manufactured after 1994, to wear seat belts while driving. Drivers caught flouting the rule are charged Rs 100.
DCP Traffic Manoj Patil told MiD DAY that his department was working hard to avoid a repeat of last year when 95 people lost their lives while driving without seat belts.
"There is also this general feeling among citizens that traffic rules and regulations are secondary.
We had to act in order to disabuse people of this misconception, and ensure that in the interest of their own safety, people follow other traffic rules," said Patil.
Around 85 per cent of drivers have started wearing seat belts. "Only officers of the assistant sub-inspector rank and above are entitled to collect fines.
Citizens who see this rule being flouted should insist on receipt that reflects the amount fined.
All 28 traffic police divisions in the city have been instructed to take action against offenders who break the seat belt rule," said Patil.
