6 fined for car rides with open sunroof
Times of India | 18 October 2024The prosecution notices came mainly on the basis of the social media posts made by citizens who wanted to attract the attention of Kolkata Police in this regard.
One such citizen, Soumik Hati of Kolkata, wrote on the X handle of Kolkata traffic police seeking action sharing four photographs of the violation.“Please take necessary action. I think it’s a violation. Poking your head out of the sunroof makes you liable for a fine, as in case of an accident, the individual can be fatal, say the Motor Vehicles Department (MVD),” said the post. “Please send your complaint with details to dctp@kolkatatrafficpolice.gov.in. After due inquiry necessary steps shall be initiated,” cops wrote back. Action followed soon after, said cops.
With the festive season taking off, cops claim a section of motorists and car occupants often remove the sunroof cover of their high-end cars, frolic and even climb out of the vehicles in an apparent “daring” attempt to enjoy the drive. In most of these cases, these cars end up speeding. CCTV cameras have caught motorists and car occupants indulging in such acts on the Maa and AJC Bose Road flyovers.
In the past years, in at least two instances, the victims have ended up hurt by the kite strings that dangle on the flyovers. Lalbazar has now asked all traffic guards to stop such risky rides at the earliest and create a sustained campaign.
Cops said they are trying to promote safe driving through such efforts. “It is only in extreme situations, when we are seeing them trying to climb on to the roof of the car while the car is moving, we are flagging down the car and slapping the motorist with a fine of Rs 1,000-5,000 under different clauses of section 184 of the Motor Vehicles Act. However, motorists should understand that the motto is not to fine someone for dangerous driving. It is to create necessary awareness so that accidents through such reckless acts can be prevented,” said a cop. The East, Southeast and South traffic guards have been instructed to work in tandem to send across this message this festive season.
Aware that such sunroof car rides are common during nights and festivals, those on naka duty have been asked to be especially careful. “We will also enlist the help of some celebrities in this regard,” said an officer.
