KATHMANDU: The traffic police has intensified action against drink-driving after the cases of nightime road accident increased at an alarming rate.

According to Metropolitan Traffic Police Division, the traffic police, mobilised under the special programme, impounded 225 driving licences, 63 blue books, 50 road permits and 115 vehicles, including two-wheelers, for drink-driving between April 20 and May 6. "The rate of nightime road accidents and the cases of drink-driving have dropped compared to the corresponding period last month thanks to the campaign," reasoned Rabi Raj Shrestha, Superintendent of Police at MTPD. He said the Division would continue to run the campaign even in the days ahead.

MTPD has been mobilising the special task force under the command of a DSP or an Inspector or an ASI across the Capital during nighttime for the purpose. "The campaign proved effective. It is in the interest of pedestrians, motorists and their family. The campaign targets to save lives," said SP Shrestha.

The police use breath-analyser to see whether or not the motorists are drunk. If the device tests positive, police will arrest them before sending them to the nearest hospital for verification. The offenders caught violating traffic rules and the impounded vehicles, driving licences, road permits will be handed over to the next of their kin once MTDP charges them in line with the existing law.

Furthermore, it could lead to fines up to Rs 200 for the offenders, with their driving licences getting punched for each violation. A licence with five holes will become invalid.