02 January,2016 07:42 AM IST | | Shashank Rao
Transport Minister Diwakar Raote issued the notification on December 31 that will make it mandatory for traffic offenders to attend counselling sessions
The next time you are caught jumping the red light, talking on the cellphone while driving or driving under the influence of alcohol, among other offences, be prepared to face licence suspension for three months, a monetary fine and a mandatory two-hour counselling session on the importance of adhering to the traffic norms.
A traffic constable performs the breath analyser test on a reveller in Juhu on New Year's Eve. Pic/Nimesh Dave
Startled by the number of offenders booked on New Year's Eve, which was greater in comparison to 2014, the transport department has decided to tighten the screws against those violating traffic rules. Also, in a first, Transport Minister Diwakar Raote issued a notification on Thursday in this regard.
Raote said, "We will be suspending licences for three months of motorist caught for drunken driving, speeding, jumping the red light, overloading trucks and containers, etc."
RTO sources claimed the higher-ups would be seeking help from the traffic police department in registering cases against drunk drivers/ riders whether they are first-time offenders or not. They added that in a first, counselling sessions would be made mandatory for pillion riders commuting without helmets and motorists driving without seat belts.
An RTO officer said, "We will start cracking down on bikers and pillion riders who do not wear helmets. They shall be sent for a two-hour counselling session before levying fines. Even motorists will be subjected to similar punishment for not wearing seatbelts."
A source added that every three months, transport and traffic police departments would be jointly taking stock of the actions initiated against offenders and the data collected.
