NO brakes on traffic rule violations
BENGALURU: Bike riders do not give a hoot about the traffic rules and their own safety on city streets. Many believe it is better to be sorry and pay a fine than being safe. Bengaluru Traffic Police data reveals that as many as 36.20 lakh bikers, including both riders and pillion riders, were booked in 2016 for not wearing helmets. Fines totalling `36.20 crore was collected. Officials say the list has several repeat offenders as most bikers prefer paying a meager fine of `100 than wearing a helmet.
The city is home to 66.31 lakh vehicles, including 12.81 cars and 45.93 lakh two-wheelers. According to records, eight violations--rider without helmet, pillion rider without helmet, wrong parking, reckless driving, jumping traffic signal, overtaking from left and racing — saw an increase in 2016 in comparison to previous years (see graphics). The number of cases booked for jumping traffic signals in the city increased from 5.67 lakh cases in 2015 to 7.22 lakh cases in 2016. The number of motorists booked for overtaking from left increased from 2,359 cases in 2015 to 4,431 cases in 2016. As many as 1,983 motorists were caught for racing in 2016. In 2015, 758 such cases were registered.
“Traffic police should cancel the licences of repeat offenders to ensure discipline. Most of the motorists breaking traffic rules are youngsters,” said M N Srihari, expert in urban infrastructure and transportation.
When contacted, a senior traffic police official said there are several practical difficulties in stopping errant motorists on road. “We are struggling because of a steep rise in the number of vehicles with few traffic personnel to handle the chaotic situation on roads. With the fine amount being too less, most motorists do not mind coughing it up,” he said.
He further added: “The scenario will change once the proposed bill to increase the fine amount by up to five times comes into effect. The revenue from the traffic fines will also double.”
Under the proposed Motor Vehicle (Amendment) Bill of 2016, bikers not wearing helmet will have to pay a fine of `1,000. It may also lead to suspension of the licence for three months (see box). However, some states have opposed the Centre’s move to introduce steep hikes in traffic fines saying the move may lead to corruption since paying bribes would be cheaper than forking out the proposed fines.
The number of cases booked by the traffic police had increased from 76.24 lakh in 2015 to 91.79 lakh in 2016. The city also witnessed 7,508 accidents last year, the highest since 2009.