SHILLONG, Nov 20: Driving under the influence of alcohol or toxic substances in the state will now entail cancellation and suspension of driving licence of the offenders.
This is part of the State Traffic department’s massive crackdown on traffic rule violators, especially those involved in rash, negligent, or drunken driving, including other violations of the Motor Vehicles Act.
In this regard, a notification has also been issued by the Additional Superintendent of Police (Traffic), East Khasi Hills, to all the traffic branches falling under the jurisdiction of the district.
The decision comes in view of the lifting of odd-even rule applicable to commercial vehicles, besides the reopening of tourist spots which has drawn crowds in the state.
It has also been observed that quite a number of vehicles, including the ones arriving from neighbouring districts as well as states, have been visiting Shillong and different tourist spots in Meghalaya lately.
Moreover, many bikes and cars have been found to perform stunts on public roads, and involve in rash and negligent driving. Also, many instances have been detected which turned out to be cases of drunken driving.
Informing that such hazardous activities have always put other road users in danger and numerous accidents have also occurred in the recent past, leading to grievous injuries and, in some cases, even death, the notification directed all in-charges of the state’s Traffic branch to intensify rigorous checking in their respective jurisdictions at every strategic spots, particularly on weekends.
According to the notification, the in-charges have been advised to exclusively conduct checking for rash/dangerous and negligent driving, cars and bikes fitted with LED headlamps, modified exhaust pipes, High Security Registration Plates etc.