Even as the second day of odd-even road rationing policy was observed on Saturday, the Delhi police continued to focus on educating the commuters than prosecuting them with challans, which remained at 229 for the day.
A senior traffic police officer said that a thousand more police personnel were deployed on the second day even as many volunteers encouraged Delhiites to support the Delhi government’s ambitious drive to curb air pollution and vehicular congestion in the city.
The traffic flow, which was relatively less in Saturday morning, increased noon onwards with volunteers ensuring plying of even cars.
“1,000 more officials were deployed today (Saturday) because the traffic police could not operate at its optimum capacity yesterday (Friday), as large number of police officials were deployed on the road till 3 am on the intervening night of the New Year,” a senior traffic police official said, adding, “We are likely to increase this number further on Monday when the odd-even scheme will face a challenge.”
Senior traffic police officials said that several meetings are scheduled for Sunday when the odd-even policy is not applicable. A proper plan will be discussed to meet the task on Monday when most people rejoin offices. “We would not prosecute much in rush hours as it would lead to huge traffic snarls to already congested intersections,” said the traffic cops, adding, “Elaborate arrangements, however, will be made to meet any situation.”
As many as 25 categories have received exemption from the restrictions, including emergency service vehicles, taxis and cars being driven by women, which may have only female co- passengers and children up to age of 12.
