Pune: Over Rs 3 Crore in Fines Collected by Pimpri Chinchwad Traffic Branch in 2024
Reported By Varad Bhatkhande
Pimpri Chinchwad, 19th December 2024: In every square today, CCTV cameras are installed, yet some people continue to break rules, believing the cameras don’t function. These ‘loophole finders’ must now exercise caution, as the Pimpri Chinchwad Police have taken action against over 41,000 traffic rule violators in the past 11 months using the so-called ‘closed’ CCTVs. A collective fine of over ₹3 crore has been recovered from these offenders.
In August 2012, a bomb blast occurred at Pune’s famous Jangali Maharaj Road (JM Road). Following the incident, under the Pune City Police Commissionerate, CCTV cameras were installed at major squares to monitor unruly behavior and prevent crime. At the time, the Pimpri Chinchwad area was under the Pune Commissionerate, leading to the installation of 250 cameras in key locations, resulting in action being taken against indisciplined drivers.
However, on 15th August 2018, the Pimpri Chinchwad Police Commissionerate (PCPC) was established, becoming independent from Pune City. Initially, actions against drivers using CCTV surveillance were paused. Later, under the Pimpri Chinchwad Smart City Project, 3,500 new cameras were installed across the city in August 2022, leading to the resumption of strict enforcement.
PCPC’s Traffic Branch monitors unruly drivers from its headquarters, keeping an eye on various violations, including zebra crossing breaches, triple-seat riding, not wearing seat belts, signal jumping, unauthorized entry, and more. In 2024, action has been taken against 41,695 vehicle drivers, resulting in a fine collection of ₹3.04 crore.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Bapu Bangar, in charge of the Traffic Branch, stated, “From 1st January to 30th November, action has been taken against indisciplined drivers, and fines have been collected. One police officer and four police constables oversee these actions. Messages regarding punitive measures are being sent to offenders via mobile. The scope of enforcement will be further expanded in the coming period.”
