In a determined effort to curb reckless driving, the Pune Regional Transport Office (RTO) has penalised 14,058 traffic violators on state and national highways over the past nine months. This extensive drive, conducted from January to September 2024, aimed at ensuring road safety by targeting habitual offenders and addressing critical violations such as speeding, lane-cutting, and drunk driving. The initiative spanned major routes, including the Pune-Mumbai Expressway and Pune-Solapur Road, signalling the RTO’s commitment to safer highways.
Data shared by the RTO highlights that 6,467 violations occurred on state highways, while 7,591 were recorded on national highways. The offences included misuse of seat belts, use of fancy number plates, talking on mobile phones while driving, unauthorised parking, and failure to meet fitness certification norms. Special squads of the RTO conducted operations on critical routes, aiming to enforce regulations effectively and address behaviours that endanger lives. Deputy Regional Transport Officer Swapnil Bhosale emphasised the need for sustained vigilance to reduce road mishaps and fatalities.
From a civic standpoint, this drive reflects an urgent need for improved awareness among citizens about road safety norms. Reckless driving not only jeopardises lives but also burdens public resources with accidents and associated consequences. Persistent offenders and unregulated highways contribute to a broader issue of urban disorder, requiring stricter law enforcement and collaborative solutions.
On the sustainability front, the campaign indirectly aligns with the broader goal of reducing carbon emissions. Safer and regulated highways contribute to smoother traffic flow, reducing fuel consumption and vehicle wear-and-tear. By addressing violations that disrupt traffic, the RTO is fostering an environment where urban mobility becomes more efficient, eco-friendly, and aligned with sustainable urban planning. The initiative underlines the role of accountability in achieving safer and greener roads.
