Crackdown on traffic rule violators in Odisha

In a major crackdown, the Ganjam district administration has imposed penalties on more than 500 traffic rule violators in a single day and sought the cancellation of driving licenses of some of them.

The district road safety enforcement squad, led by sub collector (Berhampur) Sidharth Shankar Swain, carried out a surprise check on two-wheelers yesterday in different parts of the Silk City, said an official.

Apart from the sub-collector, the tehsildar, traffic police personnel and Berhampur Municipal Corporation (BeMC) officials were also a part of the drive.

Those found driving without a helmet and valid documents or talking over mobile phone were penalized, Swain said.

"Though the exact amount of the fine collected during the raids is yet to be assessed, it is estimated to be over Rs 3 lakh," said Swain.

This was the second such crackdown on traffic violators by a multi-disciplinary squad.

On March 14, over 100 bikers at Haladiapadara, Lanjipalli, Gopalpur Chhaka and Pokadibandh areas had to pay fines for disregarding road rules.

The Ganjam district administration had in August last year made it mandatory for two-wheeler riders to wear helmets.

The authorities also imposed a 'No-helmet, No-petrol' rule here to generate awareness among people.