203 fined in Delhi on first day of odd-even plan implementation

New Delhi: As many as 203 people were challaned on Friday for the violation of norms in the odd-even scheme on the first day of its implementation in the national capital.

The first prosecution for violating the odd-even scheme took place at ITO junction about 33 minutes after the restrictions became operational at 8 AM today.

While 138 peoples were challaned by Delhi Traffic Police, 65 were fined by officials of Delhi Government's transport department, said police and senior government officials.

"Delhi Police had challaned around 81 people till 5 PM, the rest were prosecuted in the peak evening hours," Special Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Muktesh Chander said.

A senior government official said that, besides the transport department issuing challans to 65 motorists for violation of odd-even rules, 76 auto-drivers were challaned for refusal to take passengers and refusing to be hired by the meter, making it tougher for people who left their cars at home.

"Government received 32 complaints against autodrivers while there were nine complaints against bus services. Two complaints were received against Gramin Sewa," said the government official.

The first offender, who was slapped with the stipulated Rs 2,000 fine, told police that he was heading towards his office and there was no convenient transportation facility from his residence near Pari Chowk, the intersection between NOIDA and Greater NOIDA, said a senior traffic official.

"The offender, who was driving a car with its registration number ending with 2 (even), was prosecuted at the ITO intersection around 8.33 AM," the official said.

"The offender claimed that he knew about the restrictions but had no other option," said the official.

As the much-debated odd-even scheme restricting movement of private cars in the national capital between 8 AM and 8 PM for a fortnight was rolled out today, Delhi Police Commissioner BS Bassi once again appealed to the people to cooperate with his force throughout the 15 days.

Under the scheme, private cars having odd registration numbers will be allowed to ply on odd dates and those with even numbers on even dates.