In a decisive crackdown on the first day of new traffic regulations, Lucknow police seized 51 e-rickshaws and issued fines to 98 others for operating on prohibited routes in the Hazratganj area. The stringent action marks the beginning of a city-wide drive to enforce a ban on e-rickshaw movement across nine major zones to combat severe traffic congestion.
Strict Enforcement Follows New Year's Eve Gridlock
The traffic restrictions were implemented following a massive surge in vehicles and a complete gridlock experienced in the city on New Year's Eve. The prohibition on e-rickshaws is now in effect on identified routes in Hazratganj, Gomtinagar, Sarojininagar, Alambagh, Krishnanagar, Mahanagar, Indiranagar, PGI, and Ghazipur. The primary goals are to ease congestion, enhance road safety, and ensure smoother vehicular movement for all.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Kamlesh Dixit confirmed the strong start to the enforcement drive. "Efforts are on to enforce the restrictions more strongly," Dixit stated. "On the first day itself, 51 e-rickshaws were seized in Hazratganj and 98 others were challaned for commuting on routes that are prohibited."
CCTV Surveillance and Personnel Deployment Ensure Compliance
The police are employing a multi-pronged strategy to ensure the ban is strictly followed. DCP Dixit revealed that enforcement is being closely monitored using CCTV surveillance across major junctions and arterial roads. "We are monitoring compliance through CCTV cameras and have also deployed traffic and local police personnel on the stretches to ensure the ban is followed in letter and spirit," he explained.
This technological oversight, combined with physical presence, aims to create a robust system for detecting violations in real-time and taking immediate action.
Accountability for Repeated Violations
Senior police officers have issued a stern warning that repeated violations will not be tolerated. The accountability framework extends not just to vehicle operators but also to the police personnel tasked with enforcement. A senior officer indicated that strict action could be initiated against police personnel responsible for enforcement in their respective jurisdictions if the order is not followed in the coming days.
This move underscores the administration's seriousness in implementing the traffic regulation measures. The crackdown in Hazratganj on the very first day serves as a clear message to all e-rickshaw operators about the consequences of flouting the new rules designed to decongest Lucknow's key areas.
