Mumbai: Go down one-way, get FIR against your name

In a firstofitskind initiative city traffic police will book motorists and riders taking the wrong side of the road Newly appointed Commissioner of Police CP Sanjay Pandey has ordered police to file FIRs against offenders under Sections 279 rash drivingriding and 336 endangering human life and safety of others of the Indian Penal Code and relevant Sections of the Motor Vehicle ActPandey has asked traffic police to file FIR against anyone driving or riding on the wrong side Earlier such offenders were only fined when caughtA traffic cop stops a motorist driving on the wrong side at Andheri West on February 2 2021 PicAnurag AhireThe strict order comes just a day after the new CP gave relief to motorists by stopping towing of vehicles for a week After taking charge of the CPrsquos office Pandey had made his mobile number public through social media seeking inputs from the public He received various inputs and ordered lsquonotowingrsquo of vehicles parked in noparking zones for a week Within the next 24 hours during his first public address through Facebook he announced his harshest decision so farImplemented on MondayldquoThe order is clear it says to book motorists and riders who driveride on the wrong side under Sections 279 rash driving and 336 act endangering life or personal safety of others of the IPC and relevant Sections of the Motor Vehicles Act The order was given on Sunday and its implementation started on Mondayrdquo said a senior police officer on condition of anonymityBikers ride on the wrong side of the WEH at Kandivli on July 7 2021 PicSatej ShindeUntil Monday evening one FIR each was registered at all the 30 divisions of the Traffic Police Department Reacting on his decision Pandey took to social media and said that driving or riding on the wrong side is dangerous and that he hopes youngsters take note of this So far no official information or order has been shared by Mumbai policeSanjay Bhalerao senior inspector at Chembur traffic division told midday ldquoDrivingriding in the wrong lane can cause accidents involving not only motorists but pedestrians too Strict action against such driversriders will definitely spread the message and help in reducing fatalities and incidents of altercationsrdquoldquoDriving on the wrong side puts everyonersquos life in danger We will not show any leniency and will book as many offenders as possible Every citizen must take serious note of this and follow traffic rules for their own safetyrdquo said Rajvardhan joint commissioner trafficIn 2021 Mumbai police fined 63699 motorists for driving in the wrong lane and 1777 accidents due to rash driving were reported throughout the city in 2020What will changeUntil Sunday driversriders were fined anywhere between Rs 500 and Rs 2000 for taking the wrong lane when caught by police Now with the new order this offence becomes cognisable but bailable If caught a motoristrider would have to secure bail either at the police station or through the magistrate If the offence is proven in court the guilty person may face up to sixmonth jail time and a fine of R1000 under Section 279 and up to threemonth jail time and a fine under Section 336The people speakldquoWrongside driving is a huge issue in the city This not only creates hindrance to smooth traffic but can cause serious accidents as well This decision may sound strict for some but itrsquos necessary for traffic disciplinerdquo said Harsh Shah a commuterldquoThis is a very good decision When motoristsriders will see a police station and court for driving in wrong lanes next time they wonrsquot dare to do so Adhering to traffic rules is highly necessary for a city like Mumbai If this action is continued even for six months it will bring changerdquo said P S Pasricha former Maharashtra DGPlsquoToo harshrsquoldquoNobody takes the wrong side of the road willingly they are compelled by the situation There are times when a Uturn is not near or one has to go somewhere nearby so they take the wrong lane Driving rashly in the wrong lane should be punishable But this order is too harsh Police should focus on making helmets mandatory and ban heavy vehicles in day time it will reduce accidents and fatalityrdquo said Sneha Yadav a motoristHow an FIR will affect your life Up to 6 months in jail and a fine of up to Rs 1000 if offence proven in court under Sec 279 Up to 3 months in jail and a fine of up to Rs 1000 if offence proven in court under Sec 336