Chennai cops crack down on motorists violating distancing rules

CHENNAI: With the state government easing some restrictions, the Greater Chennai Traffic police have started to strictly implement social distancing measures for all motorists.
No pillion riders will be permitted on two-wheelers. With cab services too kickstarted, no co-passenger will be allowed in the front seat.
Only two persons can travel in a single car, the nondriver compulsorily occupying the rear seat.
Police who are restricting the movement of vehicles in the state after May 31 but will focus on social distancing. “We will fine those who are not adhering to social distancing while travelling in private vehicles,” he said.
Police are booking riders under section 179 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. Whoever wilfully disobeys any direction lawfully given by any person or authority empowered under this Act to give such direction, or obstructs any person or authority in the discharge of any functions which such person or authority is required or empowered under this Act to discharge, shall, if no other penalty is provided for the offence, be punishable with fine which may extend to ₹500.
As of now, police are not seizing vehicles of volators, they are just fined a sum of ₹500 and let off. They needn’t have to remit the fine on the spot but pay online and other facilities made available to them. The rule is being strictly enforced even if they come out as families. “Sometimes women pillion riders plead us to excuse them, citing some important work. Since we were asked to strictly ensure social distancing, we spare no one,” said a traffic police inspector at Anna Nagar.
At least for a month, police consider it is not necessary to travel as a family outside. “Some of them are let off, if they cite medical emergencies,” the inspector said.