The Chennai traffic police will form 50 special teams that will enforce the seat belt rule in the city from next week.
Though the teams will focus on cars plying across the city, special attention will be given to highways such as the East Coast Road, Old Mahabalipuram Road, and GST Road. In late evening hours, the teams will concentrate on stretches such as Sardar Patel Road where rash driving is common. The fine for flouting the rule for the first time would be Rs. 100 and for the second violation, Rs. 300.
“We will be creating awareness for a week. After this, we will start implementing the rule strictly,” said Karuna Sagar, additional commissioner of police (traffic).
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According to sources, till November 25, a total of 17 persons have lost their lives after failing to wear seat belts. Of this, 11 were drivers and six, occupants, said a senior traffic police officer, adding that most other cities, including Bangalore, have implemented the seat belt rule.
Meanwhile, the transport department is also planning to rope in consumer groups to create awareness on the rule. “The seat belt rule has always been there. When it is enforced suddenly, there may be public resentment. Hence, we think it is better to create awareness first,” said a transport department official.