1038 motorists booked Kerala
Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Police have intensified enforcement against motorists who fail to respect pedestrian rights at zebra crossings, with 1,038 violations booked during a six-day statewide traffic enforcement campaign.
The special drive, conducted from August 20 to 25, saw enforcement teams check 55,207 vehicles at major junctions, accident-prone areas and busy pedestrian corridors across Kerala. Authorities collected approximately ₹2.50 lakh in fines from motorists found violating zebra-crossing rules.
The campaign, called ‘White Line–Lifeline’, was launched by the Traffic and Road Safety Management wing with the objective of improving pedestrian safety and encouraging motorists to follow traffic rules around designated crossings.
Motorists Warned to Give Way to Pedestrians
According to the enforcement drive, action was taken against motorists who failed to slow down while approaching zebra crossings, drove at excessive speed or did not give pedestrians the right of way.
Zebra crossings are specifically designed to provide pedestrians with a safer place to cross busy roads. However, officials found that violations remain a concern, particularly at heavily used junctions and pedestrian corridors.
Along with enforcement, officials also carried out awareness activities to educate motorists and other road users about responsible driving and the importance of allowing pedestrians to cross safely.
Repeat Offenders Could Face Tougher Action
Kerala Police have indicated that the crackdown will not be limited to a single campaign. Similar enforcement drives are expected to continue across the state, with repeat offenders potentially facing stricter action.
The operation involved District Police Chiefs, Traffic Zonal Superintendents of Police and Traffic Enforcement Units under the direction of the Inspector General of Traffic and Road Safety Management.
Public Can Help Report Traffic Violations
The Kerala Police are also encouraging members of the public to contribute to road-safety enforcement through ‘Shubhayathra’, a road-safety initiative.
Members of the public can report traffic violations through WhatsApp, including supporting photographs, videos or audio and information such as the location, date, time and vehicle registration number. The number provided by the police for such reports is 9747001099.
The latest enforcement drive sends a clear message to motorists across Kerala: pedestrians must be given priority at zebra crossings, and motorists are expected to slow down and respect their right of way.
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