By our correspondent

Tejas Navale

Pune: The traffic woes in Pimpri Chinchwad have escalated, particularly on weekends and holidays, as vehicles clog roads due to unruly parking. Responding to citizens' increasing grievances, the traffic police have initiated stringent measures against offenders, resulting in the penalization of numerous vehicle owners and hefty fines.

In the latest crackdown, the traffic police imposed penalties on 1327 vehicle owners, collecting a fine amounting to approximately Rs. 9,80,000. The problem has been notably severe near the newly constructed mall area in Wakad and Padamji Paper Mill, prompting a special campaign led by Senior Inspector Sunil Pinjan of the Wakad Traffic Department, under the guidance of Deputy Commissioner of Police Vishal Gaikwad.

Collaborating with police personnel from Hinjewadi and Sangvi police stations, the traffic police action targets vehicles parking unlawfully and those cars with black window glass. A total of 406 vehicles were penalised, with fines totalling Rs 4.37 lakh. Notably, a fine of Rs. 2,50,000 was imposed on 305 vehicles in the Phoenix Mall area alone, with enforcement extending to vehicles with tinted windows.

Initially, a fine of Rs. 500 was levied for illegal parking, while Rs. 1500 was imposed for vehicles with tinted windows. The crackdown resulted in fines amounting to Rs. 50,000 for 47 vehicles parked illegally near Padmaji Paper Mill.

Even luxurious vehicles like the renowned 'Golden Guys,' known for their gold-plated exteriors, did not escape the scrutiny of the traffic police, facing penalties for tinted windows. Videos and images of this action quickly circulated on social media, drawing lots of praise from netizens.

Deputy Commissioner of Police, Traffic Branch, Vishal Gaikwad, emphasised the necessity of enforcing traffic regulations, especially concerning commercial establishments. He stated, "This special campaign aligns with citizens' concerns and the upcoming elections. We have fined 100 vehicles in the Wakad area alone over three days, and this enforcement will continue unabated. Drivers must adhere to traffic rules and exercise caution while driving their vehicles on the roads."