Pune Traffic Police revokes 698 licenses; collects fine of Rs 44 crores

By: Pune Pulse

September 8, 2023

Pune: The Pune Traffic Police, in conjunction with the Regional Transport Office (RTO) have taken stringent action against traffic violators, resulting in the revocation of 698 licenses and the imposition of fines over a three-month period. 

This action was necessitated by a spate of offenses, including distracted driving due to mobile phone usage, non-compliance with traffic signals, speeding, and driving under the influence (DUI).

As per the information provided, although these figures are marginally lower than those from the previous year, they indicate that adherence to traffic laws remains a significant challenge. 

Vijayakumar Magar, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) expounded on the issue, saying that a significant proportion of road accidents can be attributed to violations of traffic regulations. Such motorists not only endanger themselves but also pose a risk to the general public. These individuals face a three-month license suspension, with stricter legal penalties for repeat offenders. 

A breakdown of traffic offenses and license suspensions from January 1 to September 8, 2023, reveals that overloaded vehicles accounted for 34 incidents, while 224 incidents involved mobile phone usage while driving. Disobeying traffic signals accounted for 205 incidents, excessive speeding for 67 incidents, alcohol-impaired driving for 64 incidents, reckless driving conduct for 100 incidents, and unlawful carriage of passengers for four incidents. These statistics underscore the ongoing challenges associated with traffic law enforcement and emphasize the need for more measures to ensure road safety.

While talking to Pune Pulse, Arjun Botre, Traffic Inspector Planning added, ”We have suspended 698 licenses for driving triple seats, using mobile phones, etc. Pune Traffic Police collected Rs ₹44 crore in fines from January to August 2023 from nearly 700,000 drivers.”

Madhupriya Dhanwate