Pramesh S Jain
In a renewed push to enforce road discipline,the Department of Traffic and Road Safety has directed all traffic unit heads to recommend suspension of driving licences (DLs) for motorists involved in serious traffic violations,and subject the helmet less seat beat less riders and drivers for counselling sessions to ensure road discipline in line with the Supreme Court Committee on Road Safety’s recommendations.
In a circular issued on Monday,Deputy Inspector General of Police and Commissioner for Traffic and Road Safety, K.Parashurama,IPS,reiterated that driving licences of violators must be suspended for a minimum period of three months under Section 19 of the Motor Vehicles Act,1988,read with Rule 21 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules,1989.
Traffic violations warranting suspension include:
Over speeding and jumping traffic signals,Carrying excess load in goods vehicles or transporting passengers in goods carriages,Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and Using mobile phones while driving.
Police units have been instructed to recommend suspension of driving licences to the Transport Department authorities in all such cases after the violation is recorded and the fine is paid.
All the police units have been directed to submit monthly reports detailing cases where suspension or cancellation of licences has been recommended.These reports must be sent at the end of every month.
The circular also highlights counselling as a corrective measure.Two-wheeler riders without helmets and car drivers not wearing seat belts are to be fined and subjected to at least two compulsory counselling sessions to educate them on traffic rules and ensure compliance.
This is being practices by the city police randomly and escort the violators to TMC to counsel them and show them the problems faced by the traffic police and fellow motorists due to the traffic violations .
This is to ensure that the motorists will empathise and next time think twice before violating the rules,a senior police officer,said .
This would not only ensure road discipline but also minimise road accidents incidents,he added.
