Sharmili Mallick

Jajpur: It seems people have gradually adopted carefree attitude while adhering to traffic rules especially after the Odisha Government eased the provision of hefty fines under the new Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019 for three months following public resentment at many places of the State.

It may be noted that Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had directed the enforcement agencies not to aggressively go on an overdrive but rather counsel and handhold the public to facilitate compliance with the amended provisions of MV Act.

However, many people in Vyasanagar area of Jajpur can be seen effortlessly flouting rules by riding motorcycle without helmet, resorting to triple riding, driving in wrong direction and also speaking on mobile phones while riding vehicles.

“After the State Government relaxed the stringent traffic norms, public has also become casual with their approach in abiding the rules. As the provisions were made for the safety of the public, the State Government should not have eased it so early,” a local Akshay Dhal said.

Another resident Kartik Chandra Bharat who was caught riding motorcycle without helmet said, “I received an urgent phone call and forgot my helmet in the hurry. However, I have all other documents and will carry helmet henceforth.”

It is being said that with the relaxation of the new MV Act, the district police has also eased traffic checking. Jajpur SP Charan Singh Meena however said the police is doing its duty and organising awareness campaigns regularly.

“Presently, the laws have been relaxed to help people get their documents ready within three months. However, whenever we find motorists driving in wrong manner which may lead to fatal accidents, we are taking action against the concerned violators," said Meena.

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