Delhi Traffic Police were stricter on day one of the odd-even scheme on Friday. In January, only 138 motorists were challaned by the department on the first day.
On Friday, the figure crossed 500 within the first five hours from 8 am. A total of 884 motorists were prosecuted in the 12 hours by 8 pm.
The highest number of prosecutions was made in southern range of traffic police. The department had strategically deployed around 2,000 personnel at 200 intersections to ensure that the restrictions were not violated.
“The traffic volume was way below normal on Friday. An Audi driver was among the motorists challaned in central Delhi till 1 pm. So far, we are happy with the response from Delhiites,” said head constable Satish, posted at ITO.
The cop estimated that there was a decrease of at least 40,000 to 50,000 vehicles on the road. Their teams were posted at almost every intersection near ITO in central Delhi.
From 8 am to 8 pm, a total of 884 prosecutions were made by the traffic police – central range (159), eastern range (103), northern range (70), outer range (105), southern range (271), and western range (176).
Traffic police personnel said they were partial during the rush hour, but had strict orders to take action against even numbered cars on Friday.
“It is not possible to act during rush hour as our main job is traffic management,” said a traffic constable posted at Connaught Place. They were careful before stopping a car. “We first see the number, then check whether the driver is a woman or a man and finally look for the CNG sticker,” the constable added.
Noida resident Manish Aggarwal told Deccan Herald that he will be following the rule while traveling to his office in Connaught Place.
“I have an odd numbered Honda City car. During the even days, I will prefer travelling by Delhi Metro,” Manish said.
Nitesh Sharma, a resident of Pahar Ganj, said he does not support the idea of continuing the campaign.
“I would prefer using the car due to my job with HDFC Bank. I have to travel across the capital. In the next two weeks, I will have to take taxi and autos which is a costly affair,” Nitesh added.
The number of challans on Friday hints that the figure will cross 2,870 set during the 15-day odd-even scheme in January.
At that time, the department had focused more on awareness generation than relentless prosecution to ensure that their action against violators did not lead to jams.
Delhi Police Commissioner Alok Kumar Verma has also urged senior officers to ensure that the steps taken do no not create unnecessary hurdles for commuters or lead to chaos.
Published 16 April 2016, 03:41 IST