Delhi Police increase vigil to ensure safe Holi

Delhi Police have increased vigil on city roads on the occasion of Holi that falls March 17, police said Sunday.

Some 200 traffic police special checking teams along with patrol vans and police teams will be stationed on roads and at strategic locations besides intersections all over the city to check drunken driving and other traffic violations, said police.

"The special check points will be placed on roads from (Monday) morning in crowded areas to control motorists. The polices stations have been asked to ensure proper vigil on the day of celebration," a police officer told IANS.

In cases of drunken driving, besides prosecution, the drivers are liable to be arrested and their vehicles impounded, he added.

Action shall also be initiated against the registered owners whose vehicles are found to be driven by minors, unauthorised people or without licence besides being used to perform stunts.

Drunken driving is punishable with a jail term and suspension of driving licence besides fines.

Last year, there were at least 10,339 prosecutions of which 3,914 were for driving without helmets, 1,819 for red light jumping, 973 for triple riding, 124 for dangerous driving, 1,278 for drunken driving and remaining for other traffic-related violations.

In addition, 581 vehicles were also impounded during the special drive.