The City police have intensified checking of vehicles in the capital by deploying additional 100 personnel to the traffic wing and deciding to cancel the driving licence of erring motorists in view of the mounting traffic accidents during the ongoing festive season.
The traffic wing has been asked by the District Police Chief, Thiruvananthapuram City, P. Prakash to intensify the drive against motorcyclists travelling without helmet and not wearing the chin strap. The drive is in view of the mounting accidents before 3 p.m. and late in the night when the roads are deserted.
The fatal road accidents involving motorcyclists also had forced the police to crack the whip.
“Ninety% of the motorcyclists in the capital are using headgear now. We are targeting the remaining 10% who flout the rules openly and move along. Maximum fatal road accidents in the capital are involving two wheelers,” Mr. Prakash told The Hindu on Wednesday.
Special squads have been set up to nab those indulging in driving motorcycles without headgear, without fastening the chin strap, drunk driving, use of mobile phones while driving and those indulging in rash and negligent driving. The District Police Chief said instructions have been given to suspend the driving licence of those motorists caught for these offences.
The traffic wing has been asked to check all motor vehicles entering the city limits and leaving the capital.
The vehicles moving along the National Highway 66 Bypass Kovalam to Chakka and from Kazhakuttam to Chakka corridors will be under the scanner of enforcers.
In the NH 66 and NH 66 Bypass traversing the capital, the police will deploy Interceptor and Radar Cameras to book the erring motorists. The police will depend on the 300 cameras installed in vantage points and junctions and under the City Police Control Room to book those riding motorcycles without helmet and indulging in other traffic and motor vehicle offences.
The police have also launched an awareness campaign to check drunk driving.
Two-hour class
In addition to the ₹ 2,500 fine to be paid in court, those being caught for drunk driving have to attend a two-hour class of the city police.
“The classes are being organised twice weekly and they are shown the videos of the accidents caused due to drunk driving and the ill-effects of liquor. The classes have been going on for the last three weeks,” the District Police Chief added.
