Drive against overloading by STA

Bureau,Odishabarta

Cuttack: In the ongoing Statewide special drive against overloaded vehicles, a total of 92 challans were issued, 32 vehicles detained and 108 driving licences (DLs) confiscated for suspension. Besides, over Rs 4.26 lakh was collected as fine for overloading on the first day of the six-day drive.

The State Transport Authority (STA) has launched the special anti-overloading drive throughout the State. Additional Commissioner, Transport, Enforcement and Road Safety, Lal Mohan Sethi said, “The drive is being extensively carried out throughout the State with special focus on the regions having industrial and mining activities as it is commonly seen that many goods vehicle plying in these regions do not comply with the rules causing accidents.”

The STA will take stern action against those found flouting Motor Vehicle (MV) rules, he said. According to the Motor Vehicle Amendment Act 2019, the violators will be penalised under Section 194(1). Overloading of vehicles would attract a penalty of Rs 20,000 and additional fine of Rs 2,000 per extra tonne.

As many as 1,442 accidents took place, 673 people were killed, 834 people were grievously injured and 588 people had minor injuries in accidents involving overloaded vehicles in 2021. A total of 800 e-challans were issued for flouting other MV rules, 26 vehicles were detained and compounding fees of Rs 7.78 lakh was collected.

Earlier, in crackdown on overloaded vehicles, 83 e-challans were issued, 25 vehicles were seized and 81 DLs were suspended. Compounding fees of Rs 3.69 lakh was collected.

The special drive will continue till September 25. The enforcement squads have been asked to conduct such drives at regular intervals.