Bhubaneswar: Even as Odisha government has extended the relaxation window for traffic enforcement by three more months to facilitate people obtain necessary motor-vehicle related documents, the State Transport Authority (STA) has made it clear that imposition of heavy fines on violators of traffic rules will continue across all districts in Odisha.
While asserting that checking of driving licence, fitness certificate and Pollution under check (PUC) certificate has only been relaxed for three months, the department said that there will be strict enforcement against road safety violations under amended Motor Vehicles Act.
There will be strict enforcement against dangerous life-threatening actions like drunken driving which will attract a penalty of Rs 10000, over speeding (Rs 5000), driving against flow of traffic (Rs 5000), using mobile phone while driving (Rs 5000), triple riding on two-wheeler (Rs 5000), overloading (Rs 2000), jumping red light (Rs 5000), and Rs 1000 for not wearing helmet or seat belt. In case any vehicle user is found flouting any of the road safety provisions, the documents also will be checked, alerts government.
Interestingly in the capital city, in case traffic violators manage to give cops the slip, CCTV cameras installed at every location will keep a track on them and subsequently, e-challans will be issued against the registration numbers. The Commissionerate Police has also installed a high-end automatic number plate reader machine at Rupali Chhak in Bhubaneswar.
Speaking to media, twin city Police Commissioner Sudhanshu Sarangi said, "Challans will be issued if a person is caught violating traffic norms. Even if violators do not pay fines on the spot, the penalty will be added in vehicle owner's name at RTO and they will have to pay interest as well."
"We are trying to conduct vehicle checking at particular places where CCTV cameras have been installed or else those officers undertaking the drive should wear body cameras. This is to keep a record of what actually transpires during vehicle checking drives and thwart possible allegations against police frequently brought by the commuters. That's why we have asked police officials to remain alert," said Sarangi.
Shockingly, Odisha Police has arrested at least 160 motorists from various places in a span of 24 hours on charges of driving vehicle in an inebriated state.
With strict enforcement from tomorrow, here are some dos and don'ts for motorists: