No Escape: Thousands Fined as Helmet Rule Gets Stricter
Surat Traffic Police Use Drones to Catch Helmetless Riders
Surat: The Surat Traffic Police have launched a strict helmet enforcement drive, making helmet use mandatory for two-wheeler riders. In a first-of-its-kind initiative, drones are being deployed alongside CCTV cameras to identify and penalize violators through e-challans and on-the-spot fines.
Drones and CCTV Keep a Watchful Eye
From early morning, drones have been monitoring key traffic junctions across the city. As soon as they took flight, helmetless riders were seen scrambling to avoid detection—some hiding behind vehicles, others moving alongside rickshaws and trucks, while a few even wore sunglasses or mufflers to evade identification. However, the police acted swiftly, scanning number plates and issuing challans instantly.
Riders Make Excuses, But No One Gets Away
Thousands of e-challans were issued on the first day of the crackdown, with many riders attempting to justify their violation with common excuses such as:
“I was just going a short distance!”
“I only stepped out to buy milk!”
“My helmet is in my bike’s storage!”
“I forgot to wear it!”
However, under the “One Nation, One Challan” system, such excuses hold no weight. Riders who receive five or more challans risk having their licenses suspended.
No Escape from Surveillance
Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Amita Vanani stated that drones, CCTV cameras, and public address systems are being used to track offenders. Over 3,000 traffic personnel are stationed across major intersections, with more than 40 teams deployed for on-the-spot fine collection. Even if a rider tries to evade detection after spotting a drone, the CCTV cameras and VOC system instantly scan the vehicle’s number and issue an e-challan.
Surat Police’s Final Warning: “Wear a Helmet or Pay the Fine!”
With constant surveillance through drones and cameras, riding without a helmet in Surat is no longer an option. The Surat Traffic Police have issued a firm warning— “For your safety, wear a helmet. If not, be prepared to pay the fine!”
