Mumbai accounts for 35.11% traffic violation cases in state in 6 months

MUMBAI: Mumbai has recorded 35.11% of all traffic violation cases reported in Maharashtra in the past six months, reveals the latest statistics compiled by Maharashtra Highways. Mumbai, which accounts for 20% of the state’s vehicular population, has recorded 38 lakh traffic violation cases from January to June, followed by Pune with 16.83 lakh cases, Pimpri-chinchwad

with 5.6 lakh cases stands at third place, followed by Thane (5.4 lakh), Nagpur (4.6 lakh) and Navi Mumbai (4.2 lakh). Officers said there has been 61% growth in traffic violations in the state from January to June 2021, as compared to the corresponding period last year.

Collection of traffic fines has, however, gone down by 9% in the same period. As per the latest figures of Maharashtra Highways, around 108 crore cases of traffic violations have been registered in the state, levying a total fine of ₹333 crore. The authorities, however, could collect only ₹59 crore from violators. “Our aim is not to collect money but maintain a record of violators. This will send the right message and people will soon start following the law. The e-challan system has helped us maintain a record of traffic violators and those repeating violations will be dealt with strictly,” said Bhushan Kumar Upadhyay, additional director general of police, Traffic, Maharashtra.

Last year 67 lakh cases were registered and the total fine collected via e-challan stood at ₹65 crore while pending due amount was ₹209 crore. Mumbai contributed to 35% violations, levying 31% of the fine and recorded 26.4% of the fine collected. “Mumbai saw around 38.04 lakh cases of traffic violation in the six-month period, which is 59% more from last year’s 23.85 lakh cases. The Mumbai traffic police managed to collect fines of ₹16 crores, while challans issued were of ₹104 crores,” said a Mumbai Police officer.