Southern States - Tamil Nadu-Chennai   

`No more harassment by constables'

By Our Special Correspondent

CHENNAI APRIL 17. It may be hard to believe, but scenes of motorists being harassed by lone constables may soon be a thing of the past.

As part of its efforts to streamline the traffic enforcement system, the Traffic Police has stated that constables and head constables cannot stop any vehicle in a routine manner for checking documents.

"They may, however, stop a vehicle in case it is suspected to be involved in any crime.

Even if they stop the vehicle, they cannot collect spot fine.

They can only detain the vehicle till a sub- inspector reaches the spot", a police press release today said.

It is a common sight to find traffic constables stopping motorists especially moped riders on some pretext or the other for reasons best known to them.

There have been instances when these constables leave their `traffic manning points' to check documents of some two wheeler riders who are apparently "easy pickings".

Despite repeated warnings by senior police officials, the motorists continue to be harassed by constables at various points in the city.

All sub-inspectors have also been instructed to carry a laminated card indicating the fine amount for various offences and show the same to the motorists at the time of charging them for any violation.

The maximum fine amount of Rs.1,000 is levied for driving an uninsured vehicle or for driving dangerously.

The towing charges for a heavy vehicle is Rs.500, light vehicle Rs.250 and for two-wheelers Rs.100.

The minimum spot fine amount is Rs.50.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Southern States

News: Front Page | National | Southern States | Other States | International | Opinion | Business | Sport | Science & Tech | Miscellaneous |
Advts: Classifieds | Employment | Obituary |

Stories in this Section

• Scarcity drives motorists to public transport
• College refuses to join residents' eco drive
• Vegetable prices still high, petrol supply inadequate
• `No more harassment by constables'
• Hospitals to be certified `woman and child-friendly'
• Sadras excavations uncover hidden treasures
• Vaccination to combat rubella stepped up
• Gang relieves woman of jewels
• EMUs to be rescheduled for today, tomorrow

Copyright © 2003, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu