Pune Grapples with Escalating Traffic Violations as Vehicles Operate Without Number Plates
In Pune, a concerning trend of traffic violations is on the rise, with a significant number of residents blatantly ignoring regulations. Many are not only failing to install high security registration plates (HSRPs) but are also driving or riding two- and four-wheelers without any number plates at all. This situation poses serious safety risks and has led residents to question the authorities' commitment to enforcing rules, despite repeated promises of action against such violations.
Residents Voice Concerns Over Rash Driving and Lack of Enforcement
Working professional Prakash Wakde recently experienced a troubling incident along MG Road. He observed four seemingly new two-wheelers being ridden recklessly, with riders cutting lanes and honking continuously. When he attempted to take a picture to report them to the Regional Transport Office (RTO), he discovered that the vehicles had no registration numbers. "How are such vehicles allowed on the road?" he questioned, highlighting the ease with which offenders evade accountability.
Office-goer Anirudh Jain from Baner echoed these concerns, noting that vehicles without number plates, particularly two-wheelers, move freely on city roads. "If this flouting of rules is visible to us, how do the authorities miss it? They have forgotten the Pune Porsche incident and the assurances made after that," he said, referring to the tragic accident on May 19, 2024, which claimed two lives and prompted warnings from the Pune RTO to dealers against selling vehicles without plates.
Regulatory Deadlines and Enforcement Gaps
Regulations mandate that dealers must fit HSRPs on vehicles before they leave showrooms. Additionally, the deadline for installing HSRPs on vehicles registered before April 2019 expired in December of last year. Former transport commissioner Vivek Bhimanwar had announced that action against violators would begin from February 20, but residents report no visible enforcement on the ground.
Kondhwa resident Jameel Shaikh expressed frustration, stating, "It seems that it will take another tragedy for the authorities to react. In my neighbourhood, it is common to see youngsters on two-wheelers without number plates riding rashly without a care for traffic rules." This sentiment is widespread among Pune's citizens, who feel that enforcement has weakened since the initial crackdown following the Porsche accident, which included suspensions of trade licences for some dealerships.
Official Responses and Calls for Coordination
Pune deputy RTO Swapnil Bhosle has stated that he will look into the matter, while another RTO official acknowledged the seriousness of the issue, emphasizing the need for coordinated action with the police. "Car owners often delay registration plates or remove HSRPs for fancy numbers. Regardless, the offence is serious and will be investigated. The traffic police must act against such offenders," the official said.
On the delayed enforcement of HSRP norms, a state transport department official mentioned that although the deadline has not been extended, there is still time before serious action is taken. "We are giving residents another chance to comply," a senior department official stated, suggesting a lenient approach despite the growing violations.
This ongoing issue underscores the urgent need for stricter enforcement and public awareness to ensure road safety in Pune, as residents continue to witness blatant disregard for traffic regulations.
