Officials moot triple challan for triple riding

The Rachakonda traffic police has sent a proposal to implement three challans for triple riding.

To reduce road accidents in the city, the Rachankonda traffic police has decided to also challan pillion riders if they are caught. According to the traffic police, multiple cases were booked this year for triple riding. Nearly 10,400 challans were issued in the Rachakonda limits in 2017, the ACP traffic said.

N. Divyacharan Rao, traffic additional deputy commissioner of the Rachakonda traffic police, said, “Triple riding is increasing on the outskirts and we are going to fine pillion riders. Engineering students and commuters from rural areas are more into triple riding. Triple riding is causing fatal accidents as the rider loses balance when three people are riding on a two-wheeler.”

He added, “Earlier, those caught for triple riding were let off after a fine of `1,000 under the Motor Vehicle Act. We are now planning to fine pillion riders, too. We have sent the proposal to senior officials to issue all the three riders `1,000 challans. Discussions are on and we have sought the views of legal advisers. We will submit the proposal to the government later.”

Vinod Kumar Kanumala, chief functionary of the Indian Federation of Road Safety, said, “Triple riding is not a new issue and the police is not able to control it. Enforcement, which can bring change, is lacking in the state.”