Coimbatore ushered in the New Year of 2025 on a peaceful note, with no major untoward incidents reported, thanks to stringent police monitoring focused on curbing drunk driving and reckless behaviour.
Celebrations Under Strict Watch
The city's New Year's Eve on Wednesday night featured a vibrant mix of high-energy parties, luxury dinners, and family-friendly concerts. However, the Coimbatore City Police imposed significant restrictions on outdoor celebrations to maintain order. A key change from previous years was the ban on gatherings at the popular Race Course media tower, where thousands of revellers were turned back by police personnel.
Despite the restrictions, crowds gathered at alternative spots like the clock tower in RS Puram to welcome 2025. The police force was out in full strength, deploying a total of 1,600 personnel across the city to manage the festivities. All major flyovers were closed to motorists from 9 pm on Wednesday until early Thursday morning as a safety precaution.
Crackdown on Traffic Violations and Stunts
The police identified 70 key locations across Coimbatore for setting up vehicle checks to prevent rash and drunk driving. This proactive strategy proved effective in controlling speed, as barricades were placed every 2-3 kilometres to deter high-speed driving.
Nevertheless, instances of dangerous stunts were reported, particularly on Avinashi Road, where motorists were seen performing wheelies on motorcycles and even standing on the roof of a moving car. The police acted swiftly, seizing the vehicles involved in such acts. Overall, the enforcement drive led to the seizure of 195 vehicles for various traffic violations.
Drunk Driving and Post-Seizure Process
A significant focus of the police operation was on drunk driving, resulting in 74 registered cases. According to a senior police officer, individuals found driving under the influence, using altered silencers, or performing stunts were promptly stopped and penalised.
The officer confirmed that no major accidents were reported during the celebrations. He also detailed the process following vehicle seizures, stating, "The vehicles seized were handed over to the motorists on Thursday after they paid the fine." This systematic approach ensured that the celebrations, while lively, remained largely safe and under control for the residents of Coimbatore.
