manoj

MOTORISTS DRIVING vehicles with dark films topped the list with a little over one-fifth of the total prosecutions, a week after the drive against traffic violators. Till Sunday, there were a total of 10,206 prosecutions. This means close to 1500 'challans' a day.

According to traffic police, the reason for so many prosecutions against dark-tinted vehicles is mainly because motorists were either confused about the norms or simply ignored the High Court order.

"Almost 50 per cent have dark films," said a senior traffic police officer "The High Court has prohibited the use of dark films on vehicles. There should be 70 percent visibility on the front and back and 50 per cent visibility on the sides. Most cars come with the permissible limit of tint on the glasses," said H.P.S. Virk, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Traffic (Northern Range).

All sorts of explanations can be heard from motorists when prosecuted for using dark films. "Women say they feel safer while driving in a car with dark films. It reduces the risk of people stalking them, especially late at night. There are others who say it is inhuman not to allow films in this heat," added Virk.

There has also been ambiguity about whether people are allowed to use curtains cars, a means to keep the heat away "What if we use curtains instead of dark films? They have not said using curtains is not allowed," said Vinita Sharma, a businesswoman. But the traffic police have made it clear that if such curtains restrict clear visibility they will not be allowed. "The idea is to ensure that no criminal activity takes place inside cars. If we cannot see through we can prosecute motorists," said a senior officer.

Source: http://epaper.hindustantimes.com (Delhi Edition)
Date Of Publish: 18-Apr-07

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