Mid-Day: Mumbai: Friday, January 26, 2018.
The Last
Three Years Have Seen Mumbai Motorists Violate Traffic Rules Blatantly
The last
three years have seen Mumbai motorists violate traffic rules blatantly. A Right
to Information (RTI) query by this newspaper shows a 150 per cent jump in the
number of traffic violations from 2015 to 2017. According to the RTI response,
in 2017, the traffic police collected a fine of R16.92 lakh for driving without
a licence. In 2017, this figure went up to R45.5 lakh. There are disappointing
spikes on other parameters too, like jumping signals and talking on mobile
phones while driving.
If there was
one heartening aspect of the findings, it is that riding without a helmet has
seen a downward trend, with the fine collected for the violation going down by
half. It is unfortunate that Mumbai, which once had the reputation of one of
the most traffic-disciplined cities in the country, is slipping on the scale.
We need to see intensive campaigns for safer driving, and respect for the law.
A sustained awareness campaign and punitive initiative, like the traffic police
conducted for drink driving, will bring results.
Drivers have
to understand that rules are made for their benefit. Mature men and women
should not need a law or fear of fines to follow basic traffic discipline, but
that is the way it is right now. These fundamentals include driving with a
licence, which of course is step one and should be absolutely enforced with
heavy punishment if people are found without one. Those fines must pinch to be
effective. Then, of course come other parameters, which should be graded in terms
of severity and gravity of the offence.
Mumbaikars,
we need to see a sense of pride and responsibility from you. Make an effort to
reclaim your reputation as one of India's best cities to drive in. This
Republic Day, make that your pledge.
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