Drive against autos

Drive against autos
Vijay Times

Bangalore: Motorists who thought they could get away with violating traffic rules, think again! The transport department is contemplating raising fines on traffic offenders.

Transport department sources said with more roads in the City being widened, traffic violations are also on the rise.

“To curb this menace and inculcate discipline, we have decided to recommend an increase in penal fines,” sources said.

The government is expected to take a decision on the issue shortly.

“With the income levels of citizens on the rise, fines of lesser denominations such as Rs 50 or Rs 100 are easily payable. Offenders cough up fines, but continue to violate rules. So it is necessary to increase the penal fines manifold for traffic violations. This will deter them,” sources added.

Adding to traffic woes is the growing vehicle population in the City, aided by the Reserve Bank of India’s liberalised lending policy.

Availing of loans is now a common feature. Earlier, owning vehicles was a privilege of the few, but today, it has become a necessity, sources added.

The transport department has also pinned its hopes on the mass rapid transit systems such as metro and mono rail to regulate the density of vehicles in the City.



Bangalore: The Bangalore Traffic Police has introduced separate lanes for autorickshaws on KG Road (from Hudson Circle to SBM Circle) and also at Majestic bus stand (between Upparpet police station and Majestic Bus Stand) from Monday.

Assistant Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Eshwar Prasad told Vijay Times if the system works, it would be extended to other parts of the City to ensure smooth flow of traffic.

On the failure of a similar project on MG Road, he said it would be implemented again.

He said sufficient number of traffic police have been deputed to ensure autos ply on the designated lanes. The initial confusion will be sorted out from Tuesday, he opined.

Meanwhile, president of the Bangalore Auto and Taxi Drivers Association, Somashekar, sounded sceptical about the new lane system.

“Until enough space for at least two to three autorickshaws is provided on the dedicated auto lanes, the project is not going to be a success.” He urged the authorities to create a few alighting points for commuters for their safety and ensure the autos run on the specified lanes.

Sampath, secretary of Adarsha Auto and Taxi Drivers Union, said the earlier dedicated lane system failed because of poor maintenance by the police.

H Krishna, Traffic Circle Inspector of Upparpet Traffic police station, said the dedicated auto lane system will shortly be implemented at the Railway Station Road too.

Drive against autos

Bangalore: Officials of the Bangalore Traffic Police and the Regional Transport Authority (RTA) launched a three-week long drive to inspect autorickshaws plying without valid permits in the City.

RTA sources told Vijay Times the drive was launched following an increase in the number of complaints of autorickshaws plying without permits.

Sources also said eleven special squads have been formed, which will work roundthe-clock and conduct inspections.

The teams will comprise a traffic police sub-inspector, a constable and a few RTA officials.