A total of 6,813 cases for traffic violations were recorded within 36 hours since the enhanced fines were put into implementation in Bengaluru. Express Photo A total of 6,813 cases for traffic violations were recorded within 36 hours since the enhanced fines were put into implementation in Bengaluru. Express Photo

The Bengaluru City Traffic Police (BTP) has collected over Rs 72.49 lakh as fine within the first week since the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019 has been implemented in the state. The new rules, under various provisions, came into force soon after the official notification on the same reached the police department on September 3 and was implemented from the next day.

While 1,968 riders were booked for not wearing a helmet, as many as 2,645 pillion riders were fined for the same during this period. Under the new law, offenders are required to pay Rs 1,000 each (both rider and pillion) for violating this rule. Meanwhile, Rs 7.08 lakh was collected as fine from four-wheelers for driving without wearing seatbelts.

Usage of phones while driving/riding and non-usage of helmets while riding contributes most to revised traffic fines collected in Bengaluru. @blrcitytraffic collects over Rs 72.49 lakh (total) in first week after new #MotorVehiclesAct2019 implemented since Sept. 4 @IndianExpress pic.twitter.com/FG5k8KoLlU — Ralph Alex Arakal (@ralpharakal) September 9, 2019

Incidentally, using mobile phones while driving attracted a total fine amount of Rs 13.9 lakh till 10 am on Monday. At least Rs 2.12 lakh was collected from those violating the one-way rule.

Speaking to indianexpress.com, Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic) BR Ravikanthe Gowda said the enhancement in fines will help generate awareness and ensure citizens follow traffic rules. “This would encourage the public to be cautious while being on the road, especially those who frequently violate traffic rules.” He added that such thoughts among road users would make roads safer.

Rs 98.27 lakh in two weeks of August; 72.49 lakh in 6 days of September!

Details of traffic fine collected during the first 26 hours of the implementation of fines under the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act on September 4 Details of traffic fine collected during the first 26 hours of the implementation of fines under the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act on September 4

The BTP had collected over 98.27 lakh rupees during the first weeks of August 2019, which was a record-breaking collection as of then. This took place in the wake of the Karnataka transport department revising traffic fines, after publishing a gazette notification on June 25.