In a significant move to enhance road safety, a joint team of Kanpur authorities conducted a major enforcement campaign late on Thursday night, resulting in the seizure of multiple vehicles and hefty fines.
Major Night-Time Enforcement Drive
The operation was launched between the Kushmanda Temple in Ghatampur and the Anjupur turn in Sajeti. It involved a coordinated effort from the district administration, the police, and the transport department. The campaign was spearheaded by SDM Ghatampur, Avichal Pratap Singh, and ARTO (Enforcement) Kahkashan, with police personnel from three stations participating under the supervision of Additional Commissioner of Police Krishna Kant.
Stringent Checks and Major Violations Uncovered
The enforcement team targeted a range of serious traffic violations. During the checks, they discovered 18 heavy vehicles that were subsequently seized. Furthermore, fines totaling Rs 5,99,000 were imposed on approximately 67 vehicles for various infractions.
The list of violations was extensive and included:
- Vehicles plying without number plates or with concealed plates.
- Instances of overloading, especially noted among dumpers on the Hamirpur-Ghatampur route.
- Outstanding tax dues on vehicles.
- Transport of minerals without proper tarpaulin cover.
- Failure to produce valid pollution under control (PUC) certificates.
- Driving under the influence of alcohol.
Shockingly, two truck drivers tested positive in breathalyser tests for drunk driving. In another serious case, the helper of a vehicle was found to be driving the truck. The team has recommended the cancellation of the driver's licence in this instance. Officials noted that many drivers could not even produce their licence plates on the spot.
A Necessary Step for Road Safety
Additional Commissioner of Police Krishna Kant explained the rationale behind the strict action. He cited a recent increase in hit-and-run cases, often involving vehicles with unregistered or faded licence plates that are hard to trace. The frequent complaints about overloaded dumpers on a specific route also necessitated the crackdown.
He stated that this joint action is a crucial step towards strengthening road safety standards in the area and establishing effective control over illegal transportation activities. Curbing irregularities in heavy vehicles remains a top priority for the police force.
ARTO Kahkashan emphasized that both rule compliance and public awareness are essential for safe traffic flow. SDM Avichal Pratap Singh warned that any lapse in road safety could lead to serious consequences and reaffirmed that citizen safety is paramount. He confirmed that such enforcement campaigns will continue in the future to ensure compliance and deter violations.
