Sambalpur: If this does not teach a lesson to those flouting traffic rules, nothing will. The drivers of a tractor and a bus were fined Rs 53,200 and Rs 27,000 respectively by the State Transport Department for violation of traffic rules, making it one of the steepest fines imposed under the newly amended Motor Vehicles Act.
Both the vehicles had collided on National Highway-55 near Jujumura in Sambalpur district on Sunday. Two people died and two others were injured. The tractor and the bus were reportedly seized by the police for inspection following the collision.
Sources said the bus was going to Sambalpur from Angul when the driver lost control and hit the tractor from the rear.
The tractor owner was fined for violation of seven rules. He was challaned Rs 16,200 for arrear tax, Rs 10,000 each for not having valid permit and PUC (Pollution Under Control) certificate, Rs 5,000 each for not having overall fitness and trolley fitness certificates and Rs 2,000 for not having insurance. Similarly, the driver was fined Rs 5,000 for driving without licence.
As for the bus owner, he was fined Rs 10,000 each for not having a permit for carrying passengers and a PUC certificate, Rs 5,000 against fitness certificate and Rs 2,000 for not insuring the vehicle.