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Dimapur, Nov. 17 (EMN): Six months after Dimapur Police introduced the odd-even system to ease traffic congestion in the district, the average number of persons violating the rule continues to be more than 1,000 per day.
Speaking to Eastern Mirror, the commissioner of police in Dimapur, Rothihu Tetseo, informed that on an average more than 1,000 people are fined for violating traffic rules, especially the odd-even system. He informed that as per the Motor Vehicle (MV) Act, the penalty should be INR 1000 but the amount can be “too taxing” for many.
“The traffic personnel charges a much lesser sum than INR 1000 with a receipt; if there is no receipt then that is illegal,” said Tetseo, adding that there is also a first penalty and second one.
He said that just like any jail sentence of varying terms, the fine also varies in the odd-even system. “There are commuters with justified reasons like going to hospital or valid reasons and there are people who violate the rule purposely. Accordingly, it also depends on the officer to know which are genuine reasons,” said Tetseo.
The commissioner shared that these are trying times for every department and especially taxing for the police. “Pandemic is still there and somehow this odd-even system is easing the city’s traffic issue even though we do not want to charge a fine,” said Tetseo.
When queried about the utilisation of the fine collected, the police official informed that apart from small developmental works in the commercial hub, cautionary advertisements and boards on the highway will be put up since there have been many accidents on the national highway.
Tetseo informed that apart from odd-even defaulters, there are others who are fined for not wearing helmets while riding their bike, or speaking on mobile phone while driving.
Taking the example of the recent festival, Diwali, the official reiterated that even after many notices passed by the administration and police against bursting of firecrackers, even non-Hindus went against the law and many were found bursting crackers.
“We have been very lenient with the public when it comes to imposing fine on them as it is not possible for many to pay the amount; I wish the public also understands us, that it is for the best of everyone these laws are passed,” shared Tetseo.