Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi

Udupi, Oct 8: The Udupi district police are yet to collect approximately Rs 40 lac in traffic fines generated through Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras for various rule violations.

While police actively penalize violators at major junctions and roadsides, offering on-the-spot payment or court settlement options, notices for ANPR-recorded violations are sent directly to the offenders' residences via post. Cases of drunk driving are exclusively settled in court. Currently, there are no pending dues for on-the-spot fines, but fines generated via ANPR cameras since May remain largely unpaid.

6,980 challans pending collection

Since the initiation of the ANPR camera system on May 20 to record violations and dispatch notices, a total of 11,797 challans have been generated. The recorded violations include 4,947 cases of driving without seatbelts (Rs 500 fine each), 3,991 cases of riding two-wheelers without helmets (Rs 500), and 1,706 cases of speeding (Rs 500 for two-wheelers, Rs 1,000 for cars, and Rs 2,000 for heavy vehicles). Additionally, there were 131 triple-riding cases (Rs 500) and 1,022 instances of driving on the wrong side (Rs 500).

So far, the department has collected Rs 27,60,500 from 4,817 challans. This includes Rs 1,000 collected in 698 cases, Rs 2,000 in 5 cases, and Rs 500 in 4,096 cases. Over 18 cases were settled for Rs 250 instead of Rs 500 under a previous 50% government rebate scheme. However, collection remains pending for 6,980 challans, amounting to nearly Rs 40 lac.

Violators waiting for rebate offers

Many motorists intentionally delay paying their fines, waiting for the government to announce a 50% discount on pending traffic challans. The previous such rebate was offered in July and concluded on July 10, during which a significant number of violators cleared their dues at half the cost.

Repercussions for non-payment

Udupi superintendent of police Hariram Shankar warned that individuals who keep their fines pending for more than six months will be summoned to the respective police stations.

While motorists in the district usually clear on-the-spot fines immediately, e-challans come with a stipulated payment window. Failing to clear these dues within the timeframe will lead to further complications. The Supreme Court has already directed state governments to withhold or cancel the Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates and halt the renewal of Registration Certificates (RC) for vehicles with unpaid traffic fines.