In 2008, 168 drivers were booked for drunken driving while another82 were issued challans for smoking while driving. Nearly 288 persons were booked for over speeding in addition to 38 others who were caught guilty of underage driving. Challans were also issued to 353 autorickshaws and 47 school vans for overloading schoolchildren while 76 tractor-trolleys faced the flak for overloading different material.

In comparison, 2007 saw the traffic police book only 148 people for drunken driving, 129 for over speeding and 13 for underage driving. Nearly 170 autorickshaws, 19 school vans overloaded with schoolchildren and 14 overloaded tractor-trolleys were also issued challans.

“With added force and gadgets, we have tightened the noose around the violators. The stepped up drive against traffic violations along the lines followed in Chandigarh is aimed at changing the present mindset that once you enter Mohali, nobody is there to check you,” says DSP (Traffic) Raka Ghirra.

The use of alcometers and speed radars are proving to be effective deterrents against drunken and rash driving. According to official figures, though the total number of challans issued in 2008 came down to 24,741 from 30,336 in 2007, the number of challans for drunken, rash, underage driving, overloading, driving without safety belts, driving licence and number plates, increased manifold. The District Transport Officer (DTO), Mohali, has now been empowered to deal with traffic challans.

If traffic violators fail to appear before the DTO within 90 days of issuance of the challan, the SP (Traffic) can summon them through the police department for punitive action.

With a total strength of 155 personnel, including an Inspector, 3 Sub-Inspectors and Assistant Sub-Inspectors each, the Mohali Traffic Police department has created special traffic wings in Mohali, Kharar, Dera Bassi, Zirakpur, Lalru, Kurali and Mullanpur Garibdass. Mohali city has the maximum force of 2 Sub-Inspectors, as heads of two different parts, and 57 Head Constables and Constables.

Four highway patrol vehicles, each equipped with alcometers and speed radars, have also become part of a fleet of the traffic police.

To acquire the necessary skills and guidance from their Chandigarh counterparts, the Mohali traffic policemen are also sent for training on Saturdays and Sundays at the Chandigarh Traffic Park, where experts give tips on checking traffic violations, said DSP Ghirra.

The Mohali Traffic Police have sought permission from the state headquarters to install close circuit television (CCTV) cameras at strategic locations to keep round-the-clock tab on traffic violators besides movement of suspected elements.