New Delhi, January 1: On the new year's eve, a total of 352 challans were issued in the national capital for drunken driving, the Delhi Police said on Wednesday. Last year in 2018, the Delhi Traffic Police had issued a total of 509 challans on New Year’s Eve for drunk driving. Meanwhile, in 2017, a total of 543 drivers and 222 owners were booked, said Delhi Traffic Police. Delhi Police and traffic police had made elaborate arrangements for New Year celebrations in the national capital.

On the New Year's Eve, police personnel were deployed at major points  throughout the night to ensure safety. Barricades were placed where more footfall was expected for the celebration. In September 2019, there were reports that the number of traffic challans issued in the national capital had reduced by over 66 per cent from the corresponding period last year.  Anti-CAA Stir: Protesters Skip Parties on New Year Eve, Begin New Year’s Day 2020 by Singing National Anthem at Delhi’s Shaheen Bagh.

The number of cases for violation of traffic rules, druken drive dipped considerably after the implementation of the amended Motor Vehicles Act.  A senior police officer was quoted in reports saying that in September 2018, a total of 5,24,819 challans were issued, while in September 2019, 1,73,921 challans have been issued against different violations of traffic rules.

The Parliament in July 2018 had passed the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill, 2019. It was implemented across the country on September 1. The Act seeks to tighten road traffic regulations such as the issuance of driving licence and imposed stricter penalties for violations in an attempt to improve road safety.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 01, 2020 02:05 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).