CHENNAI: “Don’t drink and drive! ‘Don’t bother general public in the name of celebrations.” In a strongly worded advisory issued to the public, the city police has warned of action against revelers who create public nuisance during New year celebrations.
“Vehicles of drunk drivers and those who indulge in bike stunts would be confiscated,” said a senior police officer adding that action will also be taken against over-speeding cars and two-wheelers and motorbikes carrying triples. Police also warned revellers to refrain from eve-teasing girls and women and throwing colour powders at strangers.
All senior police officers would be patrolling the arterial roads and crowd-attracting areas from New Year’s Eve until the celebrations die down. Even though New Year revelry is expected to be low key this time due to the recent floods, city police are using their usual strength of 12,000 police personnel on New Year’s Eve.
With several hotels cancelling celebrations, more crowds are expected at the city beaches. “We have deployed 1000 personnel to patrol the Marina beach alone,” an official said.
Keeping previous accidents in mind, the organizers of New Year parties were advised not to erect any temporary structures or stages over swimming pools. They could do so after obtaining valid certificates, a senior police official said.
The police have advised organisers to not allow the drunk guests to drive.
Traffic Diversion
■ The City Traffic Police have announced diversions to regulate traffic and ensure smooth movement of public vehicles on New Year eve
■ No vehicle entry on Foreshore Road (Service Road of Kamarajar salai) from 9 pm
■ No entry to Kamarajar Salai between Santhome Church up to War Memorial from 9 pm to 2 am
■ Entry to Kamarajar Salai from other points like Wallajah Road, Bharathi Salai, R K Salai, Lloyds Road, Dr Besant Road and Sivananda Salai closed from 9 pm
■ In Besant Nagar, movement of vehicles on 6th Avenue of Elliots Beach will be closed between 9 pm on December 31 and 2 am on January 1, 2016
■ Parking areas have been identified near all the approach roads namely 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th Avenues and 3rd and 4th Main Roads
■ Devotees going to Velankanni Church are requested to park their vehicles on 2nd Avenue and walk from Kalakshetra junction