Strict punishment handed out by courts apparently had no impact on drunk drivers, as the city traffic police continue to book them in large numbers.
In the past seven months, the traffic wing of Hyderabad commissionerate registered over 18,900 cases and there were over 3,300 convictions. In the last fortnight alone (August 1 to 15), 1,288 tipsy drivers were booked, of whom 208 persons were convicted for periods ranging from two days to two months. They were sent to Chanchalguda prison.
Additional Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Anil Kumar said the court has cancelled 19 driving licences permanently and 22 licences were suspended for a period ranging from six months to seven years. “The local courts imposed fine amount of ₹ 27.97 lakh on the 1,080 traffic violators,” he said.
In addition, 14 ‘cell phone driving’ violators and two others driving without licence were jailed. People caught and convicted in drunk driving and other cases may face difficulties in getting government jobs, passport and visa clearance, Mr Kumar said. “Violators were counselled at TTI Goshamahal and Begumpet. Drive against drunk driving and other violations will continue,” he said.