In its drive against footboard travelling in MTC buses, Chennai traffic police penalised 529 persons on Thursday.
The offenders were let off with a word of caution.
Following an accident on Monday morning in which four students travelling on the footboard in an MTC bus were killed in Kandanchavadi after being sandwiched between an MTC bus and a lorry, the traffic police intensified their drive against footboard travel.
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Offenders, especially students, were slapped with fines.
In the last three days, the traffic police has conducted checks in various places in the city including the stretch of Rajiv Gandhi Salai during rush hours. A total of 529 persons were booked and fined Rs. 100 under Section 123 of the Motor Vehicles Act.
“We are also creating awareness among students using MTC buses and explaining to them how the temporary thrill of a footboard travel can end with permanent loss,” said commissioner of police, S. George.
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It is also the responsibility of teachers and parents to explain to children the dangers of footboard travel, he said.
The traffic police are likely to hold meetings with MTC officials regarding programmes to sensitise students on footboard travel.