JOIN USPolice intensify campaign against footpath-riding
The City police have launched stringent measures to book motorists who either park or ride on footpaths, especially on TenderSURE roads, where the wide footpaths have become a motorist’s easy escape from traffic.
Speaking to Deccan Herald, M A Saleem, Additional Commissioner of Police (Traffic), said that with numerous complaints in the kitty, the traffic police have been acting tough on violating motorists.
“We have stepped up vigilance against those who either park their vehicle or ride on the footpath, which are particularly designed under Tender SURE projects. We directly register a criminal case against violators under Section 283 of the Indian Penal Code (Danger or obstruction in public way or line of navigation),” he said. So far, as many as 2,800 offenders have been arrested and produced before court. Although the penalty under this section is just Rs 200, vehicles of offenders will be seized and they will have to go to court. “We hope these measures act as a deterrent,” he said.
About 11,438 cases
According to a recent study, around 42 per cent of footpaths in the City are ‘not in a walkable condition’ due to broken slabs, presence of transformers, vehicle parking and gaps. On the other hand, well-maintained footpaths are used by motorcyclists.
Till November, as many as 11,438 cases have been registered for footpath-riding. In the last three months, around 3,000 cases were registered and driving licences (DL) of the violators recommend for suspension. The offenders will have to pay a spot fine or pay the penalty in the court to get his/her vehicle released.
Meanwhile, the seized DL is sent to the Transport department, said Saleem. The Transport department has recommended 18,495 DLs for suspension this year. “The number of violators has also increased in the recent times with the increase in the number of vehicle users and population, which results in traffic jams. The violation is rampant during peak hours and mainly in the central business district,” a senior traffic police officer said.
The officer also said “The department had installed barricades such as concrete blocks between the road and footpath in many areas, including Mico Layout, to prevent motorists from driving on footpaths. We have received many complaints from Madiwala and Koramangala.”