Pune: Empty roads key reason for speeding among motorists

PUNE: Empty roads due to the Covid-19 restrictions is one of the key reasons for speeding among vehicle users in Pune, traffic experts have said, while blaming the urge for joy rides, racing and enjoying music while riding as among the other factors.
“Speeding should not happen. If motorists are involved in speeding and are using alternative routes to avoid nakabandi points, then we will check CCTV cameras and start taking action against them as per the law,” Pune police commissioner Amitabh Gupta told TOI.

Deputy commissioner of police (traffic) Rahul Shrirame said, “The problem of speeding can be checked by creating massive awareness and self-discipline. Action against speeding motorists is being taken even if they slow down at nakabandi points. The problem is also rampant on Pune-Satara and Pune-Bengaluru highways. We have installed two inceptor vehicles with speed guns for taking action against erring motorists driving at high speed at Katraj tunnel and Narhe bridge.”
He said a majority of traffic personnel have tested positive for Covid-19, while others are assisting local police stations in taking action against people not wearing masks and other Covid-related duties.
Retired IPS officer Rajendra Sonawane said, “Empty roads, coupled with fewer vehicles, have become a runway for speeding vehicles. Riders don’t have the fear of the law. The police should make good use of CCTV cameras and speed guns for taking action against motorists indulging in such behaviour.”
Sonawane said the police should start impounding vehicles and confiscating driving licences of errant motorists till the restrictions were in place. “Mobile courts should be set up for on-the-spot fines. These measures will act as deterrent and curb the problem of speeding to a larger extent. The regional transport office (RTO) should be instructed to strictly enforce the provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act and rules in larger public interest,” he said.
Rajendra Sidhaye, founder chairman of Save Pune Traffic Movement, suggested that the police should plan a strategy for taking action against motorists ‘anytime and anywhere’.
“The violators should know that police will get them and that they cannot take situation for granted. While manning important chowks/junctions, the police should take action relating to speeding and wrong-side driving in adjoining areas. These measures will deter motorists from indulging in such risky behaviour,” Sidhaye said.
Nilesh Sonagra, secretary of the Nagar Road Citizens Forum, said, “Most two-wheeler riders involved in speeding also tend to ride without helmet. Online delivery boys are also seen driving in high speed because they are in a hurry to deliver food packets and grocery items to their customers on time. It has been seen that the delivery vehicles are over filled with grocery products and driving in high speed can cause accidents, endangering their life and that of others.”
Sonagra said, “The delivery boys need to be counselled. Traffic signals between Vimannagar and Kharadi should be made operational to avoid signal jumping. Police presence on roads need to be increased to curb speeding among motorists.”
Maithali Manakawada, secretary of Wanowrie residents’ association, said, “Most roads don’t have speed limit signs. These must be displayed before penalising motorists. Heavy penalty for over speeding vehicles and surprise radar checking by traffic police are the immediate measures.”