Only 61 bikers fined for overspeeding against 7,968 cars?

 

 

In the first three months of this year, there have been 8,123 cases of overspeeding on the roads of Nagpur, with a staggering 7,968 cases registered against car drivers and just 61 cases against motorcycles, according to statistics from the city traffic police. The number of two-wheelers is around 15 lakh while that of four-wheelers is around two lakh. The disproportionate number of overspeeding cases against cars has led to concerns of bias in the enforcement of traffic laws.

Experts have suggested that the traffic police may be focusing disproportionately on cars while neglecting to enforce the law against motorcyclists who are also speeding. Ravindra Kaskhedikar, Secretary of Janakrosh and member of National Road Safety Council, said that it is visible on the city streets that two-wheeler riders indulge in overspeeding. “If they are not penalised, the overspeeding will not stop,” he said. It is important for law enforcement agencies to enforce traffic laws fairly and without bias to promote public safety and prevent accidents, he added.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Traffic, Chetna Tidke responded to ‘The Hitavada’ on this. Explaining why the number of cars fined was higher than that of motorcycles, she said that the action was taken against vehicles plying in the outskirts of the city. She further informed that action against vehicles overspeeding in central areas of the city was also on cards. A retired traffic police official said that the uneven enforcement of traffic laws is a cause for concern, and it may be helpful for the traffic police to review their enforcement practices and consider whether there are any biases or gaps in their approach that may be contributing to the unequal enforcement of traffic laws. Raising public awareness about the dangers of overspeeding and the importance of responsible driving can also help to promote safer driving practices among all road users.