Gujarat Police Vehicles Face Traffic Rule Crackdown

GANDHINAGAR :  A traffic crackdown meant to enforce the law has turned the spotlight on those tasked with enforcing it. Several police vehicles were reportedly found flouting traffic rules at police premises across Gujarat, prompting the state to launch a 15-day special drive from September 21 to October 5 against violations by police personnel and officers.

The campaign specifically targets vehicles with tinted or black films, missing number plates and unauthorised markings such as ‘P’, ‘Police’ or unofficial police logos. Authorities have directed Police Commissioners and district police chiefs to inspect vehicles parked at police stations, police lines and government offices.

Officials have also been instructed to initiate departmental disciplinary action, apart from traffic-law proceedings, against police personnel found violating the rules.

The move followed an incident on September 11 when a car entering Gandhinagar was stopped and found to have tinted windows and no number plate. The vehicle was reportedly linked to a Police Inspector, prompting the Law and Order Department to order a special statewide drive.

Reality checks reported at police premises in Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad, Surat and Rajkot highlighted alleged violations. At Gandhinagar Police Headquarters, vehicles parked inside and outside the premises were reportedly found with black window films, ‘Police’ markings and missing number plates.

In Ahmedabad’s Vastrapur area, vehicles reportedly carrying black films were spotted near the police station, while some allegedly lacked front and rear number plates.

At the Surat Police Commissioner’s office in Athwalines, several vehicles parked on the premises were reportedly displaying ‘P’ and ‘POLICE’ stickers on number plates and windshields.

In Rajkot, a vehicle with tinted windows and no number plate was reportedly spotted in the Cyber Crime Police Station parking area.

DCP (Traffic) Panna Momaya said, “Strict instructions have been issued to all police personnel and officers to remove ‘P’ and ‘POLICE’ markings from their vehicles and take off black film from the windows.”

She added, “If any such violation by an employee comes to light during checks, strict action will be taken in accordance with the rules.”