On the eve of the roll out of ambitious odd-even scheme, Delhi Police Commissioner B S Bassi appreciated the initiative of the Aam Aadmi Party government, saying any step which helps the environment cannot be a bad thing and asserted he will ensure full implementation of the vehicular restrictions.
The police chief said he had proposed to the Delhi government to allow women not having a driving licence or who do not know how to drive to travel with a male driver, considering safety the aspect, but it was shot down.
"Whatever we do, we always do it with full commitment. We never do anything half-heartedly. We never have any hesitation in working with anybody as long as something is required to be done as part of law enforcement.
"But we obviously will not be part of anything which is unconstitutional or illegal," the police chief told PTI clarifying doubts about police's commitment to implementing the scheme.
When asked whether the scheme was a good initiative by the Arvind Kejriwal-led governmnent with which the Delhi police have had frequent run-ins on a range of issues, Bassi said "Anything which can help preserve the environment cannot be a bad thing."
He said all motorists should comply with the provisions of the odd-even scheme and should not fake medical emergency to get exemptions.
"As long as the law, which I am supposed to enforce, has not been declared unconstitutional or ultra vires, I have no option but to enforce it. So as far as I am concerned, the notification which has been issued by the government is a valid law (for the odd-even scheme). So as a law enforcement officer, I shall be implementing the same," the police chief said.
On police's proposal to extend exemption to women travelling with drivers, he said "We thought in the interest of women safety that another exception could be made in favour of women travelling alone with a driver.
"This suggestion has not been accepted by the government. So now, If any woman travels with a driver, in violation of the scheme, such a driver shall be liable for prosecution," the commissioner said.
The fortnight-long odd-even scheme will kick in on Friday and the Delhi government expects it to bring down air pollution substantially. The Delhi government has decided to restrict plying of private cars bearing odd and even registration numbers to alternate days from January 1 to 15 as part of the first phase of the scheme.
Private cars having odd registration numbers will be allowed to ply on odd dates and those with even numbers on even dates.
On the AAP government's move to deploy volunteers for implementation of the scheme, Bassi said it is now clear that only civil defence volunteers can be pressed into service and none of them will act independently.
"Volunteers will be only working with the Delhi police, transport department officials or authorised SDMs. However, no civilian will be permitted to stop anybody or force anybody to go back. No vigilantism will be permitted.
"Not only in this regard, but for any other issue, no democratic society can afford to permit vigilantism. The rule of law and vigilantism cannot co-exist," the top cop added.
On government deciding to slap a fine of Rs 2,000 on violators of the scheme, Bassi said it should not be an issue as there are stricter provisions for flouting traffic norms at present.
"There are penalties in respect of traffic offences which are far more damaging. So I ask people to stop bothering about this Rs 2,000 fine. You have bigger problems confronting you," he said.
He said, "People must know that now, in view of the direction of a committee appointed by the Supreme Court, driving licenses are getting suspended for a period of at least three months, if he is found over-speeding, indulging in drunken driving, jumping red light, talking over phone while driving and overloading in case of commercial vehicles."
Bassi had met Delhi Transport Minister Gopal Rai on Tuesday during which issues relating to implementation of odd-even scheme were finalised.
