Kolkata: Kolkata Traffic Police, who introduced a Breathalyzer test after a 20-month gap, realized the need for this exercise in the first three hours of a special drive against driving drinks and naughty cycling on Monday night.
25 Traffic Guards ended demanding 16 motorbike riders and motorists under Section 185 of motor vehicle laws (driving by drunk people).
The case of driving beverages is average registered every night between October 1 and November 7 stands at six.
During the pre-covid period, the city witnessed almost 18-20 cases like that only in the winter months of the peak.
“High number (16) reported in early November – and it was also on Monday – showing that the driver had begun to take their chances, it might be sure that they would not be arrested if they could hold on to their drinks (since then the action was taken only based on COP perception vis-a-vis driver).
We now hope that with the re-introduction of the Breathalyzer test, the driver will become more responsible again which demanded two people to drink on Monday night.
“We carry out checks in two shifts.
The first took place between 9pm and 11 nights.
This is the time when there is no night sidewalk.
We finally queued in front of 10 drunk riders.
The second phase was launched after the night limitation was kicked around 11pm.
We continued Check this a little after midnight and finally arrest six others, “said an officer in Lalbazar.
DC (traffic) Arijit Sinha said they would carry out this special examination throughout the celebration season.
Jorabagan traffic guards, who serve a number of bars and pubs, reported five drinking incidents, the highest in the city.
The other guards who reported the case were the central office guards (Dalhousie Area), Ultangga, Belowaghata, Seacedah, Park Circus, Tollygunge, Kasba, Purba Jadavpur, Tiljala and James Long Sarani Guard.
“Rarely that 11 guards report cases of driving drinking on one day,” said an officer.
The drive starts after sergeant in 25 traffic guards provided special instructions from Lalbazar.
“Concentrate your team near the bar, intercepting two-wheeled riders and giving them tests to do (ask them to walk straight and to try and take certain car documents from several documents).
If they fail, use the Breathalyzer test and send to the hospital Through the local police.
Use a mandatory body camera during the interception (so that the police cannot be challenged later).
Follow all Covid guidelines, “the order stated.