6.7 lakh motorists challaned for improper parking in 2016

NEW DELHI: Challans for improper parking have been on the rise, according to Delhi Traffic Police. Traffic cops imposed 6,76,301 challans last year for improper parking on roads and market areas, against 5,64,269 challans in 2015.

In 2016, the Traffic Police also imposed 44,850 challans for halting or parking vehicles in bus lanes in the Capital.

Traffic Police Data revealed that 2,811 drivers were fined for not driving in proper lanes and overall nearly 5,890 drivers were arrested and 16,227 vehicles were impound for several offences in 2016.

Traffic Police have been proactive after the review of Motor Vehicles Act, resulting in 13,382 driving licenses being punched, compared to just 5,091 in 2015.

A Traffic Police official said: “Unauthorised parking at commercial places and roads have made life miserable for commuters and caused massive traffic jams at peak hours. Moreover, haphazardly parked cars and bikes create bottlenecks that result in chaos on the roads.”

Central Delhi’s Baba Kharak Singh Marg and South Delhi’s August Kranti Marg and Malviya Nagar, Vikas Marg, Chandni Chowk, Dwarka, Outer Circle of Connaught Place and Ring Road, Delhi -Wazirabad road, are some of the worst-affected areas.

“Fines of Rs 100 for improper parking and Rs 500 for obstruction and disobeying lawful directions are not serving the cause,” another traffic cop said.