Ahmedabad: Hefty fines begin today, focus to be on awareness

The Ahmedabad traffic police will roll out their sleeves from today, but prior to the Motor Vehicle Act they are going to start traffic awareness programme only to give a chance to traffic violators to change their mind and strictly follow traffic rules.

Tejas Patel, DCP traffic, said, "We will start fining vehicle violators as per the new Motor Vehicle Act, but on the first day we will also start awareness programme so that citizens are not being burdened."

"We want people to know traffic norms are not for the traffic police to fill their pockets, but it is basically for their safety and better movement of vehicles on the road only if they strictly follow it," Patel said.

Traffic cops have created posters and banners regarding traffic rules and its benefits of following it. These banners and posters will be handed over to the TRP jawans who will be holding it at every junction of the road to create awareness among people. Apart from that NCC cadets, NGO team will be helping the traffic cops at the junction to create awareness.

But on the other hand, cops will keep a strict vigil on offenders who driving on the wrong side, breaking the stop line, over-speeding vehicles, people without driving licence and drunk drivers. These violators will strictly dealt with by imposing the fine with immediate effect. Regarding these rules, specific drives were carried out by cops in the city for the past one week.

"It's not that we will let go of the traffic offenders, but will be there to impose strict fines on the first day. People who are risking others' the lives on the road will not be spared and they will be fined heavily," said Patel

Regarding the traffic awareness programme, we are planning to continue until we don't get 90 per cent positive results from the citizen." Patel added.

CHAOTIC SCENE ACROSS CITY

Helmet sales double, vehicle insurance inquiries go up

• The fear of being fined by traffic cops have forced Amdavadis to rush to city’s helmet dealers. Sanjay Joshi, helmet shop owner said, “More than 300 customers have been visiting  his shop everyday.” 
   
• The PUC centre owners have been witnessing more than 700 people everyday. The govt had extended the final dates of PUC and HSRP compliance till Sept 30, but that has not eased the mind of vehicle owners.
   
• Two-wheeler insurance agents are facing tough time as people started inquiring about insurance. An agent Amit said, “I have insured record 500 two-wheelers. Due to the new MV act my company’s target is now achieved.”