Over 5,500 challaned for traffic violations in Delhi on Holi

New Delhi: More than 5,500 people were fined for violating traffic rules by Delhi Traffic Police today on the occasion of Holi, which included 1,100 for drunken driving.

Delhi Police made elaborate arrangements to ensure a safe Holi. Over 200 special checking teams of traffic police along with PCR vans and local police were deployed to check incidents of drunk, speeding and reckless driving.

Special teams with alcometers and 20 interceptors were also deployed at major intersections to detect and prosecute violators.

"During our sustained drive, till 5 PM we have challaned more than 5,500 people for violating traffic norms which include 1,100 for drunken driving, 590 owners of those vehicles which were found to be driven by drunkards, 438 for red light jumping and 418 for not wearing seat belt.

"We have also impounded 774 vehicles," said Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Anil Shukla.

The numbers are bound to go up as police had also positioned men armed with cameras who video graphed offenders so that if they cannot be prosecuted on the spot due to rush, challans can be sent at home.

Last year, over 4,000 people were booked at their residences for indulging in traffic violations during religious festivals and were prosecuted later after being video graphed by police.

Delhi Police data shows that last year on Holi, 13,015 prosecutions were made out of which 5,633 were for riding without helmet, 1,544 for red light jump, 1,464 for triple riding, 139 for dangerous driving and 2,090 drivers were prosecuted for drunken driving. In addition, 881 vehicles were also impounded during the special drive.