The Hindu : Front Page : Crackdown on minors riding motorcycle

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Wednesday, Jul 09, 2008
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Crackdown on minors riding motorcycle

S. Vijay Kumar

— File photo

UNDER-AGED: Owners who allow minors to ride their two-wheelers will face action.

CHENNAI: The traffic police launched a crackdown against minors, particularly schoolchildren, riding motorcycles here on Tuesday.

At least 11 children who were caught riding two-wheelers without driving licence were warned and let off.

“We have decided to take action against the owner of the motorcycle for allowing a minor to use his/her vehicle. The traffic police have written to all heads of schools to ensure that children do not use two-wheelers. We want to prevent minors from driving and getting into troubles or other unpleasant situations,” Additional Commissioner of Police (Traffic), Sunil Kumar told The Hindu.

A surprise check was conducted at 200 schools in the city to study the compliance with stipulated load conditions by autorickshaw drivers.

“It was found that 55 autorickshaws were transporting children over and above the permitted capacity of four. Stern action will be taken against habitual offenders,” he said. Mr.Sunil Kumar said autorickshaw drivers were given pamphlets to create awareness among a section of parents who allowed their children to travel in overloaded vehicles. “They [parents] can always make other arrangements. There are more than 50,000 autorickshaws plying in the city.”

The police had also written to the heads of all educational institutions to ensure that the government orders on appointment of drivers for school/college vehicles were strictly followed.

“Drivers of such buses/vans should have at least 10 years of experience,” he said. Mr.Sunil Kumar appealed to the public to inform the police on violations by autorickshaw drivers with regard to overloading, charging of excess fare and rash or negligent driving.

“They can SMS to 98418 08123 or call 100. Traffic police on duty have been told to take prompt action on any information given by the public,” he added.

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