Mangaluru: Mangaluru city police have registered 7,490 cases during special traffic enforcement drives conducted over the past two months to prevent road accidents, improve traffic regulation and ensure the smooth movement of vehicles across the city.
The cases were registered within the Mangaluru City Police Commissionerate limits against various traffic and parking violations. Police said the enforcement action focused particularly on violations that obstruct roads and footpaths, affect pedestrian safety and disrupt the movement of public and private vehicles.
A total of Rs 3,07,600 in fines has been collected from these cases.
Footpath parking among major violations
According to the Mangaluru City Police Commissionerate, the special drives covered violations including no-parking, footpath parking, improper parking, double parking, traffic obstruction and other offences related to parking.
Of the 7,490 cases registered since June 2026, as many as 1,080 cases involved vehicles being parked on footpaths.
Footpath parking can force pedestrians to move onto busy roads, increasing the risk of accidents and creating difficulties for senior citizens, children and people with mobility challenges. Police have therefore been focusing on such violations as part of their efforts to improve road safety.
The enforcement drives are also aimed at ensuring that roads remain clear for the movement of public transport and emergency vehicles.
Special drive targets defective number plates
In addition to parking-related enforcement, Mangaluru city police conducted a special drive from August 4 to August 12 against the use of fake and defective vehicle number plates.
The drive was aimed at preventing the misuse of vehicles bearing improper or unauthorised registration plates and checking the possibility of such vehicles being used in criminal activities.
During the eight-day drive, police registered cases against 258 vehicles found to have defective number plates. Another 74 vehicles were found to be operating without number plates.
A total of 332 cases were registered during the special number plate enforcement drive.
Police imposed fines amounting to Rs 3,01,000 in connection with these cases, according to a statement issued by the Mangaluru City Police Commissioner’s Office.
Police stress importance of proper number plates
Mangaluru City Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy said vehicle owners have a responsibility to ensure that their registration number plates are displayed clearly and fitted according to the prescribed rules.
He urged vehicle owners to install the prescribed High Security Registration Plates (HSRP) and ensure that they are properly fitted on their vehicles.
The commissioner also appealed to motorists to follow traffic rules strictly and cooperate with enforcement personnel.
Properly displayed registration plates are important for identifying vehicles and enforcing traffic regulations. Police have also highlighted the significance of genuine and clearly visible number plates in investigations involving vehicles.
Drive aimed at improving road safety
The latest enforcement measures form part of the city police’s broader efforts to improve road safety and traffic management.
Parking violations, particularly on footpaths and roadsides, can contribute to congestion and force pedestrians and other road users into unsafe spaces. Double parking and traffic obstruction can further reduce road space and affect the smooth movement of vehicles.
By registering cases and imposing fines, police are seeking to discourage motorists from repeatedly violating traffic regulations.
The special drives also serve as a reminder to vehicle owners that compliance with traffic regulations is essential for maintaining safe and orderly roads.
Number plate violations under scrutiny
The special drive against defective and missing number plates has also drawn attention to vehicle identification requirements.
Police registered 258 cases involving defective number plates and 74 cases involving vehicles being driven without number plates between August 4 and August 12.
The enforcement action is intended not only to ensure compliance with motor vehicle regulations but also to prevent vehicles with concealed, altered or improperly displayed registration details from being used to evade identification.
Police have called upon vehicle owners to check their number plates and replace non-compliant plates with the prescribed HSRP plates wherever required.
Traffic rules to remain a priority
With thousands of cases registered during the special drives, the city police have indicated that traffic enforcement remains a key priority.
The 7,490 cases registered since June include a wide range of parking and traffic violations. The Rs 3,07,600 collected in fines reflects the scale of enforcement carried out during the period.
The separate number plate drive resulted in another 332 cases and Rs 3,01,000 in fines.
Police have urged motorists to avoid violations rather than wait for enforcement action. Adhering to designated parking areas, keeping footpaths clear, displaying valid number plates and following traffic regulations can help reduce congestion and improve safety for all road users.
Conclusion
Mangaluru city police are continuing special traffic drives to tackle parking violations, traffic obstruction and improper vehicle number plates. With 7,490 cases registered over two months and 332 additional cases recorded during the recent number plate drive, police have reiterated that motorists must follow traffic rules and ensure their vehicles comply with prescribed regulations.