CUTTACK: Satichoura Chhak on Thursday was formally declared the first ‘No Tolerance’ Zone of Cuttack city. Inaugurated by DCP Praveen Kumar, the specially demarcated zone encompassing the crossing as well as the connecting roads will have zero tolerance to violation of traffic rules with fines ranging from ` 100 to ` 1,000.
All traffic violations from riding two- wheelers without helmets and driving without seatbelts, triple riding, underage riding or driving, overspeeding, disregarding the traffic signals, crossing the zebra lines and talking on mobile phones while riding or driving will attract penalty as per the rules. There would be no laxity in action against the violators as is seen along other stretches.
The decision to designate Satichoura as a ‘No Tolerance’ Zone was taken by the Commissionerate Police as it is an important thoroughfare with high density traffic, linking the CDA or Abhinab Bidanasi to the heartland of Cuttack. The Ring Road stretch along which the NTZ falls has been widened along with the convergent roads. A high-mast light has been installed at the crossing in addition to the electronic signalling system.
The Commissionerate Police has launched a sensitisation drive to make people aware of the NTZ. Mock drills have started from February 27 and will continue for a week more. For now people violating traffic rules would be educated, advised and let off with warnings. After this week, no excuses will be tolerated.
The exercise will not only make this busy stretch safer but also ensure smooth movement of traffic. We expect this to have an impact on the other roads of the city with the people respecting traffic rules and regulations, the DCP said.
Two officers along with four constables would be posted on the zone for monitoring and regulating traffic flow in two shifts from morning till late in the night.