KOLKATA: Kolkata traffic police has brought down over 191 blue beacons from vehicles that were being used illegally.
“On Monday, we asked 121 drivers to remove illegal beacons,” said DCP (traffic) Arijit Sinha. This is in addition to the 70 blue beacons were removed over the weekend.
The drive was carried out across Dhakuria, Dalhousie, Burrabazar, Rabindra Sarani and CR Avenue, among other places. The South-east traffic guard and Jorabagan traffic guard removed maximum blue beacons.
“Even as we removed the beacons, we have mentioned to the drivers and owners that they will be under watch. Action against a few other vehicles — ones that are privately driven but still used beacons — will be initiated after getting necessary clarification from the home and transport departments. In the meanwhile, vehicle numbers have been noted down for follow up action. Not many seemed to be aware of the rules,” said an officer.
According to sources, most of the offenders were found to be cars that had been taken on rent by government offices.
“Even when the officers were not travelling, these drivers were using beacons. In some cases, we found that flashers were being used even though that government official is not entitled to flashers. In Kolkata, only eight senior officials are allowed blue beacons with flashers. In all, 45 officials are allowed beacons in Bengal,” said an officer.
