BTP requests transport department to extend 50% discount scheme on fines

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: After receiving widespread acclaim for disposing of more than 41 lakh traffic violation cases by slashing the fine amount in the city, the traffic police (BTP) has requested the state transport department to further extend the scheme.

Since the announcement of the 50 per cent discount on pending fees imposed for traffic violations on February 3, the BTP has collected a whopping Rs 120 crore as of 6 pm on February 11, earning huge respect from the public as well as the transport department.

The scheme was initiated after the Karnataka State Legal Services Authority issued orders to the transport department to take appropriate action to clear the backlog of roughly 1.13 crore unpaid e-challans on February 2.

Soon after the announcement of a 50 per cent discount on traffic violation cases the next day, people rushed to clear their fines by visiting the traffic management centre, traffic police stations and the BTP online portal.

Bengaluru Special Commissioner, Traffic, Dr MA Saleem said that with the help of the scheme, so far the BTP has disposed of almost 42 lakh pending traffic violation cases. "We have written to the Karnataka State Legal Services Authority to consider an extension for a period they deem appropriate. We are awaiting their reply," he said.