Madurai: Madurai city police have initiated a targeted drive against 2,500 motorists who have failed to pay their traffic fines despite receiving multiple reminders. Authorities have warned that vehicles may be seized if the outstanding dues are not cleared within the stipulated deadline.
Special Fine Collection Camps
To provide violators with a final opportunity to settle their penalties, five special fine collection camps were organized across the city. Following directives from the city police commissioner, these camps were set up at key junctions, including Goripalayam, Kalavasal, and near the Kattabomman statue.
Types of Violations Targeted
Police officials stated that the pending fines pertain to various traffic violations, such as riding without helmets, overspeeding, using mobile phones while driving, and using number plates that do not conform to prescribed norms.
Phone Notifications and Compliance
This week, traffic police contacted 229 motorists via phone and instructed them to clear their dues. Out of these, 134 individuals paid a total of Rs 1,18,500. Those who failed to pay were asked to clear the amount within two days. Failure to comply will result in further action, including the seizure of vehicles, according to an official release.
Defective Number Plates Drive
As part of the ongoing drive, police also identified 517 two-wheelers with defective number plates. The plates were removed, and riders were directed to install properly sized plates within two days and present the corrected vehicles to the police for verification. By Wednesday, 144 motorists had complied with this directive.
Madurai city traffic police deputy commissioner S Vanitha said, “We will continue this drive for the next two weeks.”
Expert Opinion
S Kamal, a transportation expert, praised Madurai’s proactive approach, stating that it highlights why pending challans should not be allowed to accumulate. He contrasted this with Chennai’s example, where poor follow-up weakened enforcement, resulting in around 60,000 pending challans last year. “Madurai is doing a better job by acting before unpaid fines pile up,” Kamal added.
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