Drive to prevent lane rule violation

FROM TUESDAY, THE TRAFFIC POLICE WILL LAUNCH A CAMPAIGN AGAINST LANE VIOLATION AND THOSE NOT HAVING PUC

NEW DELHI: Beginning Tuesday, the Delhi Traffic Police will be conducting a special drive to enforce lane discipline among motorists, reduce congestion on roads and keep polluting vehicles away from the streets.

Dependra Pathak, special commissioner of police (traffic), said that over the next three weeks, there will be a “huge spike” in the number of motorists who are prosecuted for illegally changing lanes, not carrying pollution certificates and parking on non-designated spots, particularly on arterial roads.

Pathak said particular dates have been marked for acting against each of these three offences. “From February 20 to 23, we will go after those not driving in their lanes. Traffic police personnel will be keeping a watch at many spots where the lanes are clearly marked. We will also act against those vehicles that enter the lanes meant for buses. If taxis and autos are found parked in bus lanes or at bus stops, they will be immediately prosecuted,” said Pathak.

From February 26 to March 3, the police will check pollution certificates of motorists. “We will be on the lookout for vehi- cles that are visibly polluting. Those not carrying Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates will not be shown any mercy,” said Pathak, adding traffic officers have been warned against entertaining “let-off recommendations and requests”.

From March 5 to 9, the traffic police will deal with illegal parking and congestions on the major junctions and arterial roads that are often illegally occupied by autos, Gramin Seva vehicles, trucks and buses.

“Action will be taken against unauthorised encroachments by commercial establishments, mechanic shops and showrooms which cause congestion on corridors,” said Garima Bhatnagar, joint commissioner of police (traffic).

“Special teams are being formed in each of the traffic circles to carry out the drive. The teams will have to send daily reports to senior officers through control room and morning diary,” Bhatnagar said.