New hefty fines make party-goers wary

Bengaluru: The new, hefty fines for traffic violations have made everyone complain, and among the most affected seems to be regular drinkers, who till then ruled the roads in Bengaluru.

Most of them would get drunk and return home on their own vehicles, risking the lives of their own and others on the road. Even if they were caught for driving under the influence of alcohol, they would not mind coughing up Rs 1,000 fine. But it has changed since the new traffic fines have come into effect.

“It is Rs 10,000! Who wants to pay up an amount like that,” a regular drinker asked. “It’s not just the fine, the new rule also has a provision for cancelling the driving licence. Those caught can also be sent to jail. Even if we have to bribe the policemen and get away, we have still have to shell out at least Rs 5,000,” he explained.

Another man, a party animal, said, “To escape all these problems, I have stopped going to pubs in posh localities. I and my friends used to go to pubs twice or thrice a week. But now, we choose to opt for watering holes in our neighbourhood. At least, there are no traffic policemen here and we can also use our vehicles.”

Those who earlier reached home after midnight are reaching now returning homes by 10-10.30 pm. This had made their spouses happy.

“We are spending good time with our families these days. Our wives are too happy to see us back home early,” said another man.