Overloading: Rohtak RTA challans 150 vehicles, slaps Rs 1cr fine in Dec
Sunit Dhawan
Tribune News Service
Rohtak, December 30
The Regional Transport Authority (RTA), Rohtak, cracked down on the operators of overloaded vehicles, who were trying to sneak away in the wee hours, taking advantage of the intense cold and foggy weather.
We launched an intensive campaign, during which teams were deployed at strategic points in Rohtak district in the early hours, which were considered safe by operators. The drive worked and as many as 150 vehicles were challaned for overloading and other violations of the Motor Vehicles Act, including lack of High Security Registration Plates, use of pressure horns and hiding of vehicle number plates.
Ajay Kumar, Rohtak additional deputy commissioner-cum-rta secretary
As per sources, the local RTA administration sensed that the operators of overloaded vehicles had studied the presence of RTA officials and the general timings of challaning vehicles.
“The drivers and operators of such vehicles assessed that there were less chances of getting challaned in the wee hours, especially during the peak of winters, owing to biting cold and dense fog. Hence, they tried to move the material during the early morning hours,” said Ajay Kumar, Rohtak Additional Deputy Commissioner-cum-RTA Secretary, while talking to The Tribune here on Monday.
Following directions from the state authorities and after considering the situation, RTA officials planned a special drive to check the plying of commercial vehicles in violation of the prescribed rules and norms.
“We launched an intensive campaign, during which teams were deployed at strategic points in Rohtak district in the wee hours, which were considered safe by operators. The campaign clicked and as many as 150 vehicles were challaned for overloading and other violations of the Motor Vehicles Act, including lack of High Security Registration Plates, use of pressure horns and hiding of vehicle number plates,” the RTA Secretary said.
A fine of Rs1 crore was imposed on the operators of these vehicles during the month of December alone, he said, adding that the drive would be intensified.
