Honking affects vehicle-drivers’ pockets as in 2018 more than 13K prosecuted

NEW DELHI: Honking can affect the pockets of vehicle drivers as Delhi Traffic Police has carried out more than 13,000 prosecutions in honking violation cases in 2018 against offending vehicles in the national capital. The light goods vehicles top the defaulters’ list as more than 3,000 prosecutions were carried out in the present year.

The Delhi Traffic Police data of the prosecutions (till September 15) accessed by the Millennium Post claimed that 3,125 prosecutions were done against heavy goods vehicle whereas 2,535 prosecutions were done against scooters and motorcycles. “1,500 prosecutions were done against cars and jeeps. Last year, more than 12,000 prosecutions were done including 5,722 against light goods vehicles,” claimed the data. The prosecutions against delivery van increased to 204 this year against 79 last year. Same is the situation with the taxis as the prosecution has increased in the current year which to 298 whereas in 2017 it was 130.

As many as 180 prosecutions were done against three- seater auto rickshaws (TSR) whereas last year 126 prosecutions took place. The data also included the prosecutions of school cabs, private buses, roadways vehicles, call centre vehicles, Gramin Sewa, cluster buses, interstate buses and e-rickshaws.

A senior traffic police officer stated that patience is important while travelling on the road. “Honking leads to noise pollution. The prosecutions were done on the routine basis,” said the officer. In some cases, the prosecutions took place for unnecessary pressing of horns in no-honking zones like schools, hospitals.

Joint Commissioner of Police (traffic) Alok Kumar told the Millennium Post that they are planning awareness programme regarding honking. The Twitter handle of Delhi Traffic Police has gained popularity for sharing information regarding traffic snarls to the commuters. They are also giving contact numbers of Traffic Inspectors so that commuters can contact the right person. Through the photos and videos shared by the commuters to the police, they have also prosecuted several vehicles/owners for not following traffic rules.