Odd-even plan: Repeated fines for violations during the day, says top cop

New Delhi: Transgressors of the odd-even scheme may end up coughing a hefty penalty as a fine of Rs 2000 will be slapped each time the rule is violated during the course of the day.

Delhi Transport Minister Gopal Rai said the decision was taken after detailed deliberations with Delhi Police and exuded confidence that the ambitious scheme to bring down air pollution in the city will be successful.

"We have taken the decision to slap a fine of Rs 2,000 for each violation. If a motorist is fined Rs 2,000 at a certain point, he may face same penalty multiple times if he keeps flouting the rule during the day. This provision has been made to ensure that people strictly follow the norms," Rai told PTI.

A gazette notification to this effect has already been issued by the transport department following approval by Lt Governor Najeeb Jung.

The odd-even scheme will be rolled out on January 1 initially for a period of 15 days and the Delhi government expects around six lakh vehicles to go off the city roads each day during the period. A trial run of the scheme will be conducted for two hours from 9AM to 11 AM on December 31.

Rai said volunteers to be deployed by the government will be tasked to create awareness about the campaign on major crossings and that they will not be authorised to stop any vehicles.

Police Commissioner BS Bassi had yesterday said action will be taken against volunteers if they take the law into their hands and engage in "vigilantism".

The Transport Minister said a centralised helpline number will be launched in a day or two which will provide all information pertaining to the road-rationing plan. Commuters will be able to get all information including those about traffic restrictions and services of various modes of public transport.

He said strict action will be taken against autorickshaw drivers refusing fare or fleecing commuters.

"66 Enforcement teams of Transport department will be deployed at various places including near metro stations, railway stations and hospitals to ensure that auto drivers do not fleece commuters," said Rai.

He said it has been clarified to the representatives of Delhi Police that only civil defence volunteers will be deployed along with NCC and NSS cadres, who will work in close coordination with traffic police and revenue authorities.

"Their main role will be to create awareness on major crossings and they will carry placards and will not be authorised to stop any vehicles," said Rai. 

Bassi said any motorist found violating the restrictions will be asked to get his or her vehicle off the road and that under law the violators cannot be asked to return home.

"The common understanding which we have settled upon is that the person shall be asked to get his vehicle off the road. However, he cannot be forced to return home," Bassi said.

He appealed to people "not to lie" for 15 days as the entire scheme is based on common trust. Bassi called the implementation of the scheme a challenging job but his force could have implemented the scheme even if they were informed about an hour ago.

"So, the time Delhi Police got to contemplate on the scheme was quite sufficient. Traffic management in Delhi, in general, has several dimensions. With the implementation of the scheme, one more facet will be added to that," Bassi added.

Delhi government said it has been clarified to the representatives of Delhi Police that only civil defence volunteers will be deployed along with NCC and NSS cadres, who will work in close coordination with traffic police and revenue authorities.

"Their main role will be to create awareness on major crossings and they will carry placards and will not be authorised to stop any vehicles," said Gopal Rai.

Rai said checking teams will be deployed on wider roads and not in the vicinity of crossings so there is no disruption in the traffic.

Special Commissioner of Police (Traffic) and Divisional Commissioner will coordinate in respect of 120 traffic points to deploy teams.

"Tomorrow, all civil volunteers have to attend a briefing session at Chhatrasal Stadium at 12 noon so as to be aware about their specific role in the programme," he said.

The Minister said all sub-divisional magistrates will have the power to issue challans.

It was decided in the meeting that volunteers with teams of civil defence personnel will take rounds of certain areas and video record movement of vehicles wherever necessary.