149 modified two-wheelers seized in Pokhara

POKHARA: Motorcyclists causing disturbances with modified bikes in the lake city are facing the music. Over the past five days, the District Police Office, Kaski, has taken control of 150 such motorcycles and initiated legal proceedings against the owners.

The campaign to control modified motorcycles, which cause noise pollution and public disturbance, began in last October. Initially, police seized 22 motorcycles and took action against the owners. Between February 29 and March 3, 59 more motorcycles were taken under control. The local police are sending repeat offenders to the Transport Management Office.

During the period, eight workshop operators involved in illegal modifications were also arrested and released on the condition of not modifying motorcycles further. Likewise, awareness programs were conducted and stickers were affixed to workshops, according to police.

District Police Office, Kaski, said in a press conference on Sunday that 149 motorcycles have been seized in the last five days as part of the ongoing campaign. This includes first-time to fourth-time offenders. Superintendent of Police Mohan Thapa estimates that this will generate about Rs 2.2 million in revenue.

Since the campaign’s inception, a total of 2,035 motorcycles have been penalized for modifications and noise pollution. This has resulted in Rs 2.9 million in revenue for the government.

Motor Vehicles and Transport Management Act, 1992, allows authorities to slap a fine of up to Rs 15,000 for unauthorized modifications to silencers, seats, color, appearance, number plates, looking glasses, shocks, handles, engines, or chassis, or for installing parts that cause noise pollution.

Likewise, vehicle owners and workshop operators involved in such activities can be prosecuted under the National Criminal Procedure (Code) Act, 2017 for disturbing public peace or indecent behavior. Modified vehicles increase the risk of accidents and cause noise pollution, affecting patients, the elderly, children, and sensitive areas like hospitals.

Basanta Kumar Sharma, information officer of the District Police Office, Kaski, urged the public to report any sighting of modified or noisy motorcycles by calling the police at 100 or traffic police at 103.