Kolkata, May 14 -- Kolkata Police has stepped up its crackdown on helmetless two-wheeler riders, registering more than 3,300 prosecutions in just three days.
The intensified enforcement drive comes after Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari stressed strict implementation of traffic laws and directed the police to ensure that violators do not escape punishment.
According to police, on May 11, a total of 722 two-wheeler riders were slapped with prosecutions for not wearing helmets, while the figure jumped to 1939 on May 12.
In these two days, most of the violations were noticed in the Headquarter traffic guard area, where 290 prosecutions were seen, while the Metiabruz area stood second in the list with 243 prosecutions.
Apart from this, 226 prosecutions were recorded in the Jorabagan traffic guard area, while the East traffic guard recorded 216 prosecutions which covers a major area of Park Circus, including the Seven-Point Crossing.
Moreover, on May 13, over 650 two-wheeler riders were prosecuted for not wearing helmets, while on Thursday till 4 pm, 775 two-wheeler riders were prosecuted for not wearing helmets.
Though some two-wheeler riders prosecuted over the past few days alleged that the police had become overly proactive and were ignoring emergency situations, traffic cops made it clear that riding without a helmet would not be tolerated under any circumstances.
In the Park Circus Traffic Guard area, several riders were seen pleading with police
personnel to let them go, claiming they were visiting patients at the Calcutta National Medical College and Hospital (CNMCH). However, upon verification, all of them were found to be local residents and habitual traffic offenders.
Whenever these people are stopped for any traffic-rule violation, they cite a hospital visit or buying medicine to gain sympathy. Our message is clear: If anybody is riding a two-wheeler, wearing a helmet is mandatory," said a traffic cop.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.