Bengaluru: The Bengaluru Traffic Police (BTP) registered over 17,000 cases against food and e-commerce delivery agents in just seven days. This intensified drive focused on road safety violations, with agents booked for not wearing helmets, driving on the wrong side of the road, entering restricted areas, and jumping traffic signals.
This strict enforcement comes after growing concerns over delivery agents endangering themselves and others while trying to meet tight delivery deadlines.
Common Violations
One of the most common offenses was riding without helmets. Over 2,300 delivery agents were fined for this, and many pillion riders were also penalized. Additionally, there were 472 cases of delivery personnel entering no-entry zones, and numerous instances of jumping signals and driving against traffic.
On November 11, the police recorded their highest single-day total, booking 5,979 cases and collecting Rs 30.57 lakh in fines. Another day saw 4,293 cases, resulting in Rs 22.13 lakh in penalties.
Why Are Rules Being Broken?
The police identified unrealistic deadlines as one of the main reasons behind these violations. Delivery agents often face penalties or salary deductions for late deliveries, especially when companies promise “free delivery” to customers.
There is also a lack of awareness among some agents about traffic laws. For example, many believe that riding on footpaths or breaking certain road rules does not fall under the Motor Vehicles Act. However, police clarified that these are clear violations.
Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic) M.N. Anucheth stated, “Delivery agents are not above the law. Footpath riding and wrong-side driving are serious offenses.” He also noted that at least one e-commerce platform has started refresher training for its delivery staff.
Collaboration for Safer Roads
To address this issue, the Bengaluru Traffic Police held meetings with several food and e-commerce companies. These discussions aim to find a balance between ensuring timely deliveries and following traffic rules.
A senior officer highlighted that the focus is not only on penalizing offenders but also on improving safety for all road users. Delivery agents’ representatives have urged companies to adopt realistic schedules that take into account Bengaluru’s heavy traffic.
This crackdown by the Bengaluru police aims to bring much-needed attention to road safety. While delivery agents face immense pressure to meet deadlines, adhering to traffic rules is essential for their safety and that of others on the road. Collaborative efforts between the police and companies can help create a safer and more efficient delivery system in the city.
