Repeat violations; 11 riders lose licence

In a move that could send a warning to traffic offenders, the regional transport offices (RTO, east and west) in the city has suspended the licence of 11 two-wheeler offenders, while 89 others are in the line.

In a first, the Transport department has initiated action in the cases of traffic violations, following the recommendation by city police.

The city police which launched an intensified drive against traffic offenders since last July, had warned of forfeiting the driving licences of three time offenders according to Indian Motor Vehicle Act (IMV). A total of 110 driving licences, all two-wheelers, have been forfeited from last September. As many as 53 driving licences have been seized in K R traffic limits including Kuvempunagar, while N R traffic that also includes V V Puram, has forfeited 15 DLs.

 A majority of the offenders come under the categories helmetless riding, no entry (moving against one-way), using cellphone and signal jump. The fine amount for these violations is Rs 100 each.

Licence suspended

In one case of Devaraja police limits which also includes Lashkar, the RTO has suspended the licence for a period of 30 days. A total of 23 cases have been registered, including six in January. Similarly, the RTO has suspended the licence of one person for a period of 15 days in a case registered in N R traffic limits which also covers V V Puram station.

Though K R Traffic has recorded the seizure of the highest number of DLs, the authorities concerned are yet to take a decision on the period of suspension. In the remaining cases (of total 110), the procedures are underway.

Earlier it was only in the cases of IPC booked for accidents in general,the Transport department was taking the call on the suspension, only if he or she was found guilty by the court.

With the traffic violations too coming under the ambit, it has in a way sent a tough message to the offenders.

1.5 lakh people fined

Police Commissioner M A Saleem said that in the year 2013, a total of 1.51 lakh helmetless riders were intercepted. This year, plans are underway to integrate Traffic Automation Centre with Blackberrys (hand held device to book traffic offenders).