Pune: The number of people approaching the city regional transport office (RTO) to get high-security registration plates (HSRPs) fitted on their vehicles has not improved even after 2,684 motorists were fined between July 1 and 15.The Pune regional transport officials on Friday said that a total of 2,684 vehicles were fined to the tune of Rs 1,000 in the last fortnight. Still, until June 17, the total number of HSRP fitments under the Pune RTO’s jurisdiction stood at just 9,56,347. However, 24,28,589 vehicles have been registered with the RTO before April 2019.As per the law, all the vehicles registered before April 2019 need to get HSRP fitted. The deadline, which had been extended several times, ended on June 30, 2026, for Maharashtra.“As far as the numbers are concerned, people need to get serious about the same because fining vehicles without the HSRPs will continue,” a senior official with the Pune RTO said.At present, more than a year after the first notification, the HSRPs have been fitted to nearly 40% of vehicles registered with the Pune RTO.However, RTO officials claimed that the fines were having an effect. “Until Tuesday, the total fitments stood at 9,53,869. In the past three days, around 2,400 people have got the HSRP. It can be perceived as a good sign. However, the numbers remain disappointing overall. It needs to improve,” the official said.“The drive will be intensified in the coming days. Apart from us, the Pune traffic police are slapping fines for the same, and their numbers will be higher considering their high manpower,” the official added.With many motorists opting for fake and cheaper versions of HSRPs, officials said a drive on the same was on the anvil too. “A lot of warnings have already been given to the people. However, going by the disappointing numbers, it will probably take 5-6 months or more before a majority of vehicles have HSRPs,” another official said.“The state government is contemplating increasing the number of companies involved in fitments. Once it is done, the fitments are expected to gain pace,” the official underlined.Rickshaws warnedThe RTO has warned the auto-rickshaw drivers against using their passenger autos to transport goods. Officials said complaints had been received pertaining to the same.“Passenger autos with permits cannot be used for goods transportation. Some auto drivers have registered themselves in an application involved in goods transportation and are carrying out this side business. The RTO will start acting against this problem soon,” the official said.
