Bhubaneswar: Despite a relaxation period of six months, scores of commuters across Odisha were left red-faced after being caught flouting traffic rules under the amended Motor Vehicles Act-2019 which were re-enforced in the State from today.
While some rule breakers managed to dodge the deployed traffic cops and flee spot without paying any fine, others who had to face hefty penalties for traffic violation instead showed exasperation and were seen giving various excuses. Many even straightaway refused to pay the fine. The situation was same in roughly all the places across the State exactly the way it was almost six months ago when the MV Act was imposed.
“The administration should first repair the roads and then think about taking fine from us. Why they are worried about people not wearing seat belts instead of improving the infrastructure?” said a local resident in Rourkela who was challaned for not wearing seat belt.
Meanwhile, some cops in Dhenkanal were spotted driving two wheelers without wearing helmets raising concern over the blatant violation of traffic rules by those who are supposed to protect the law. Even a PCR van plying in the district was spotted without a number plate.
In Rayagada, a wood laden truck was challaned Rs 1, 10,800 for not carrying valid permit and non payment of road tax.
“We have issued a challan of Rs 1, 10,800 to the truck driver for not paying road tax and not carrying valid permit ,” said Rayagda RTO Dilip Kumar Dalei.
Amidst incidents of traffic rule violation, Regional Transport Officer in Bhubaneswar, Sanjay Kumar Behera, clearly stated that violators will be dealt with strictly.
“We have penalised commuters who talk on phone while driving, don’t wear helmets, over speed, drive in the wrong way and jump signals,” said Behera.
As per latest report by the State Transport Authority, as many as 1397 e-Challans were issued across the State till 8 PM on 1st March.
“RTOs across Odisha have issued 1397 e-Challans for road safety violations like drunken driving, over speeding, driving against flow of traffic, triple riding, using mobile phone while driving, not using helmet & seat belt etc. till 8 PM on 1st March, ” said State Transport Authority.