CHENNAI: With penalty failing to act as a deterrent, traffic cops will now drag helmetless riders to the nearest police station for awareness classes on road safety.
“All police stations have been declared as training centres. Those who are caught riding without helmets will be educated for at least two hours,” said Amaresh Pujari, Additional Director General of Police (State Traffic Planning Cell).
He was addressing a conference on road safety and vehicle emission regulations, organised by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) in association with the State Transport Department on Friday.
Also, police will be dealing with instances of drunk driving in a more stringent manner. “We will soon be arresting those who do so, in addition to the imposition of fines,” said the senior officer.
Both these actions figure in the list of recommendations made by the Supreme Court committee on road safety, headed by retired justice K S Radhakrishnan.
Noting that steps were being taken to reduce road accidents in the State, Pujari specified they had stepped up dedication of highway patrolling, besides enforcement.
“We are not only issuing spot fines against those violating section 19 of Motor Vehicles Act but also forwarding them to the RTO for suspension of their licence.”
Later, Transport Minister M R Vijayabhaskar, who was asked about state transport undertakings continuing to suffer losses, told reporters that TN was charging the lowest bus fare among neighbouring states, despite rising fuel costs.
“This is being done as a service to the public. Recently, money was allocated to the retired transport employees. Since it involves policy decisions, I will consult the Chief Minister in this regard,” he said.
Regarding another question on the replacement of the ageing bus fleet, the minister said, “Presently we are procuring 2,000 new buses. All aged buses will subsequently be replaced in a phased manner.
“However, we are taking various measures to enhance the life of buses, including by establishing new depots.”