Government employees across Gujarat were fined for riding without helmets on Tuesday as part of a statewide enforcement drive launched by the Director General of Police (DGP) Vikas Sahay. The drive, which targeted government employees to encourage compliance with road safety laws, aimed to reduce road accidents, deaths, and injuries caused by two-wheeler riders not wearing helmets. The crackdown occurred outside government offices, and violators were issued fines under the Motor Vehicles Act.
According to reports, a total of 3,192 government employees were fined across 39 traffic police jurisdictions between 10 am and 12 pm. Each violator was fined Rs 500, collecting a total of Rs 15.96 lakh in fines.
The drive, which specifically focused on government employees, is part of a larger initiative to improve road safety, with the government hoping that as “role models,” their compliance would set an example for the public.
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Inspector General of the State Traffic Branch, M L Ninama, revealed that the majority of violations occurred in the western parts of the state, including Banaskantha, Surendranagar, and Bharuch.
Ahmedabad, in particular, had the highest number of violations, accounting for one-fifth of the total. By the end of the day, the city’s violations had risen to 660, with fines amounting to Rs 3.3 lakh, including 72 police personnel among the offenders.
Banaskantha’s traffic police fined 219 government employees, and Surat City reported 210 violations. Other areas such as Surendranagar, Rajkot City, and Bharuch saw significant numbers of violations, with Gandhinagar and Vadodara having 60 and 30 cases, respectively.
Rajkot, which had begun its crackdown on Monday, reported 395 violations by Tuesday afternoon, with fines totalling Rs 1.97 lakh. Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic) N N Chaudhary and Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Pooja Yadav confirmed that the drive would continue throughout the week.
A letter sent to senior police officers on Monday instructed them to enforce the helmet rule and stressed its importance in reducing road fatalities and injuries. The letter also pointed out that government employees, as responsible citizens, should lead by example.
“Government employees are considered responsible citizens and are looked upon as role models for others,” it read.
The crackdown also included visible deterrents, with traffic officers stationed outside government offices, some of whom were equipped with body-worn cameras. Some offenders were seen arguing with officers, while others attempted to avoid penalties by making U-turns. In contrast, officers were also seen giving roses to those who complied with the helmet rule, adding a human touch to the enforcement process.
Speaking to Vibes of India, Ahmedabad Police Commissioner GS Malik explained that the higher number of violations in the western parts of the city could be attributed to the concentration of government employees, particularly Class-1 officers, in areas such as Bopal and Sarkhej.
“In the western part of the city, more government officials are residing compared to the eastern part,” Malik said.
“They come from the western side to the eastern side for work, which is also a reason behind the higher number in the western side.”
In response to the violations, senior police officials warned that repeat offenders would face stricter penalties, including the suspension of driving licences after three violations.
“If any police official is repeatedly violating traffic rules, we will definitely take departmental action,” a senior police official said.
“We have instructed our subordinates that if they are caught violating traffic norms for the third time, their driving licences will be reported for suspension, and they may face disciplinary action.”
Authorities have stressed the importance of an aggressive approach to enforcing traffic laws, with strict penalties for repeat offenders.
Nearly 99% of Government Employees Followed Traffic Rules
On the first day of the helmet drive, approximately 98.96% of government employees adhered to the helmet rule, demonstrating their discipline and responsibility.
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DGP Vikas Sahay praised the employees’ commitment, saying, “The way government employees across the state have demonstrated awareness towards traffic rules is inspiring for other citizens. The disciplined involvement of employees from all government departments is a matter of pride for the state. We should all work together to make our state more responsible towards traffic rules.”
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