Even impounding licences is not helping the traffic department recover pending fines
Mumbai Traffic Police is struggling to recover fines, particularly from drivers of auto rickshaw, taxi and private buses. In the first six months of 2017, the traffic police issued 18.75 lakh challans and collected Rs 12.80 crore in fines. However 62 per cent of the challans remain unpaid.
After the e-challan system was implemented in January, fine collection ent down, as many were reluctant to pay fines online. Hence, officials returned to impounding licences of offenders to improve collection of fines. But, it hasn't helped much either. Sources in the department said maximum dues were against drivers of private public transport such as auto rickshaws, taxis and buses.
On an average, each of these motorists have a pending fine of around Rs 5,000. Despite their licences being impounded, most drivers do not coming forward due to the huge amount of fines.
After a licence is impounded, the driver has to pay all pending fines against the vehicle to free the licence. But, most of the taxis and autos are on given on rent to drivers in shifts. This makes it difficult to identify who committed the traffic violations
"These drivers get surprised to know the huge amount of fines pending on their vehicles. On an average, 10 offences are registered against each tempo, taxi and auto. In case of the taxi and auto drivers, most claim that it wasn't them but a driver on another shift," said a traffic police officer.
"My licence is with the Mulund traffic police chowky for the past two months. The auto I was driving had a find of Rs 8,000 against it, which I will have to pay to get my licence. I have not violated the rules. It was another driver who must have done it." said rickshaw driver Rajaram Bhoir.
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 "Mumbai Traffic Police")
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