Delhi pedestrians comfortable with idea of being penalised for not adhering to traffic rules

In an effort to make Delhi roads safe, police in the national capital has decided to penalise pedestrians for not adhering to the traffic rules, and the effort seems to be have gone down well among the commuters.

New Delhi, Dec 5 : In an effort to make Delhi roads safe, police in the national capital has decided to penalise pedestrians for not adhering to the traffic rules, and the effort seems to be have gone down well among the commuters.

"Police is justified in booking challans (monetary fine), it's for our own safety, and I think they should continue with the drive," said Deepa Sareen, a pedestrian.

Unruly pedestrians now could be slapped with a fine of Rs.100 for crossing roads at wrong points, for not using footpaths, over-bridges and subways. Further, they would be fined for standing on the road at the bus stands.

"Booking challans is justified by the traffic police," said another pedestrian S K Sharma, but added that police should also educate people about the traffic rules in advance before imposing the 'harsh measures'.

"If the police cuts challans, people will act more responsibly," he, however, contended.

The drive to discipline pedestrians is initially being launched at six intersections of Sikandra Road-Tilak Marg W-point, Barakhamba Circus-CP Outer Circle, Ashram Chowk, Moti Nagar crossing, Boulevard Road subway and Delhi Gate.

After monitoring the impact of the drive, it may further be extended to all parts of the capital in the next few days.

"We have installed boards and make regular announcements to ensure safe road crossing. Moreover, we advise people to use zebra crossing every now and then," said Balwan Singh, Sub Inspector Delhi Traffic Police.

However, police argue that issuing challans is not for creating panic but for educating them about road discipline.

The increase in pedestrian deaths over the years has initiated the police to launch such drive.

ANI