BANGALORE: Early this year, the Bangalore Traffic Management Centre started a campaign to promote the use of seatbelts while driving and advised commuters to do so instead of handing out a fine. However, the happy days are over and the traffic department has been sending notices to pay a fine of `100 to owners of four wheeler vehicles that are found to be driven by those negligent towards wearing seat belts.
When City Express contacted the Additional Commissioner of Bangalore, Traffic Management Centre, M A Saleem, he said, “As of now, 43,000 cases have been registered by the traffic department.”
The seat belt rule was condemned by various sections of the society as an unnecessary rule. Many opined that the authority is trying to implement the seat belt rule in a city where the maximum average speed for a four-wheeler is not more than 20 kmph.
City Express spoke to a few, who are bearing the brunt of the new rule. “On March 31, I received a notice from the Bangalore Traffic Police stating that I have been fined `100 for not complying with the seat belt rule. However, it was my driver who violated the rule and now I am supposed bear the cost,” said Bharath Ganapathy, a IT professional.
Voicing a similar opinion, Nageswar K, a BPO worker, said, “I was sent a notice on March 29. I am not comfortable with the idea of wearing seat belt all the time, especially in this weather when air conditioner also proves insignificant while relieving you from the heat. It could have been a good rule in cities where people could touch high speeds. In Bangalore, the roads look more like a construction hub with roads blocked everywhere in the city.”
However, Additional Commissioner M A Saleem is hopeful of a positive outcome and said, “We have noticed that a considerable number of people are now following the rule. Soon we hope to achieve a 100 per cent implementation of the rule in the city.”