Date:13/09/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/09/13/stories/2008091357870300.htm

Tamil Nadu

1,000 two-wheelers seized

Staff Reporter

Drive against violation in number plates; many vehicles were returned by evening

PUDUKOTTAI: In a simultaneous operation against violation of number plates in two-wheelers at all sub-divisions in the district, the police seized a total of 1,000 two-wheelers.

Pasting a sticker showing the image of a leader of their choice, painting slogans along with the number plate, violation in colour or design or size of the number plate stipulated for the plate, use of paints which make the numbers or letters invisible are some of the major violations which were found during the drive.

The seizure, however, did not mean any usual legal measure as to register any case but proved to be a means for sensitising the public to the norms of number plates.

This was evident from the people-friendly approach followed after the vehicles were taken to the respective police station.

“We just removed the number plates which violated the Motor Vehicles Act norms and advised the owners to re-paint or alter it in accordance with the stipulations,” says the Superintendent of Police, P. Moorthy.

He said that once the owners returned with a perfectly painted number plate, the police handed over the vehicles to them, after due verification of the necessary records such as driving license, R.C. Book, insurance documents.

The Deputy Superintendent of Police, Palanichamy and the Inspector of Police, C. Mukesh Jayakumar said that in Pudukottai alone, 500 vehicles were seized within a few hours.

The seizure was effected at East Main Street, Old Bus stand, New Bus stand and Thilagar Thidal area, they added.

By the evening, a large number of vehicles were returned to the owners.

Although the drive aimed at tracing stolen vehicles, no case was reported in Pudukottai, they said.