Pune: The Pimpri Chinchwad police have started taking strict action against heavy vehicles and private transport buses for violating norms relating to prohibited entry and traffic routes in the city, and registered 484 cases against 577 such vehicles between Aug 1 and 31.The police also imposed a fine of over Rs 1.6 crore on 12,243 vehicles during the same period. The action was taken under sections 281 (rash or negligent driving or riding on a public way) and 285 (causing danger, obstruction, or injury to others in a public space) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).The crackdown follows repeated complaints from residents about violations, leading to frequent accidents and traffic snarls.“Earlier, we only imposed fines, but now we have started filing legal cases against violators,” DCP (traffic) Vivek Patil told TOI.He said that despite repeated warnings, operators continued to disregard rules, forcing the police to adopt a stricter approach.Last month, at least three fatal accidents involving heavy vehicles carrying construction material were reported from Punawale, Hinjewadi and Dehu Road. In order to send a strong deterrent message, the police also registered two FIRs under section 105 (culpable homicide) of BNS in the Hinjewadi and Dehu Road cases. The provision is a non-bailable offence, and both drivers and vehicle operators were arrested.Heavy vehicles are prohibited from entering city limits in Pimpri Chinchwad between 8am and 11am and from 5pm to 10pm. However, many, especially those transporting construction material, continue to violate the restrictions. Similarly, private transport buses are required to operate only on designated routes and halt at approved stops.“We initiated the special drive because several drivers use prohibited lanes and cause congestion. The action will continue,” Patil said.Residents welcomed the action, stating there was a need for strict action against violators.Omkar Shinde, a resident of Punawale, said, “Heavy vehicles carrying construction material indulge in rash driving in our area, making the commute unsafe.”Atul Kakde, a resident of Wakad, said, “The movement of heavy vehicles and transport buses was the main reason for traffic jams at some locations. They accommodate a large part of the road, forcing the other vehicles to remain stuck in queues for hours.”Members of the transport association, however, criticised the action. They said the designated halting spots and routes decided by the police were inconvenient for commuters.Ranjeet Phule, vice-president of the Pimpri Chinchwad Luxury Bus Association, said, “These halting points change whenever the traffic department officer concerned changes. This creates problems for both passengers and operators. We are providing a service to citizens, but nobody cares about our challenges; instead, we are always blamed for congestion.”He further argued that parking travel buses far from their usual locations could worsen traffic. “If buses are stationed far away, passengers will arrive in separate vehicles to reach them, increasing the number of vehicles on the road,” he added.Head: Prohibited Entry – Against heavy vehiclesCases under section 281 of BNS: 202 (216 vehicles)Fine imposed: Rs 1.14 crore (8,663 vehicles)– Against private transport busesCases under section 285 BNS: 292 (361 vehicles) Fine imposed: Rs 46.38 lakh (3,580 vehicles)Entry of heavy vehicles is prohibited in Pimpri Chinchwad city limits between 8am and 11am and 5pm to 10pm.Police have also registered two cases under section 105 (culpable homicide) of BNS after fatal accidents in Hinjewadi and Dehu Road involving heavy vehicles
