Date:26/10/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/10/26/stories/2006102606840400.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

386 driving licences suspended

M. Srinivas

Crackdown on motorists

HYDERABAD: The Transport Department has begun a crackdown on motorists involved in road accidents by suspending their driving licenses.

Though the suspension of license based on prima facie evidence of accidents, they could be cancelled, if the courts found the drivers guilty.

So far, the department has suspended 386 driving licences of heavy vehicle and four-wheeler drivers for their alleged involvement in accidents. "We will cancel the licences if the courts find them guilty," Transport Commissioner Ajay Misra said.

No deterrent action

In case of a fatal accident, the police register a case of rash and negligent driving under Section 304 (A) of Indian Penal Code against the driver.

Then the driver will be arrested but there was no deterrent action against such drivers when they get released on bail immediately, points out an official.

In a special drive launched in July, the department collected details of these drivers and suspended their licenses temporarily.

Fifteen persons among the 386 whose licenses got suspended were from the city. Some lorry and bus drivers were involved in more than three accidents in which at least two persons were killed, reveal officials.

Tracking them down

Deputy Transport Commissioner of Hyderabad Regional Transport Authority (RTA) G. Panduranga Rao claimed that the department had successfully initiated action against these drivers despite facing a few glitches in tracking them.

"In some cases, drivers had obtained licences in other districts even after their licenses got suspended. This problem will be solved after introducing Smart Card driving licenses system in which data of every driver will be made online connecting all RTA offices in the State," he said.