Pune Highway Police cracks down on 7,000 violators halting on Pune-Mumbai Expressway

The State Highway Police in the Pune region has taken strict action against thousands of violators who have halted their vehicles on the Pune-Mumbai Expressway, causing disruptions and posing risks to other motorists. Over the past two and a half years, a total of 13,480 violators have been penalized in an effort to ensure smooth and safe traffic flow on the expressway.

According to data from the State Highway Police, 7,725 violators were penalized in 2021 for stopping their vehicles at no parking zones on the Pune-Mumbai Expressway. Among them, 1,373 were fined in the Khandala region and 6,352 in the Vadgaon region. In 2022, a total of 4,694 violators were penalized, with 1,899 in the Khandala region and 2,795 in Vadgaon. As of March 31 this year, a total of 1,061 violators have been penalized.

According to State Highway Police the violators were found to have halted for various reasons including taking a loo break, taking selfies, making phone calls, parking for leisure breaks, and attending to vehicle breakdowns.

The State Highway Police have taken swift action against the violators, imposing fines ranging from Rs 500 for first-time violators to Rs 1500 for subsequent violations, depending on the nature and severity of the violation.

Lata Phad, Superintendent of Police (SP), State Highway Police, Pune Region, emphasized that halting or parking on the expressway is strictly prohibited as per the rules, as it disrupts traffic flow and poses serious risks to motorists. Phad urged motorists to cooperate and follow the expressway’s rules and regulations, including using designated parking areas, adhering to speed limits, and avoiding distractions while driving.