Kolkata: Kolkata Traffic Police has requested the state transport department to extend the minimum driving licence suspension period from three to six months, for cases involving fatal accidents and serious traffic violations. In the latest road safety committee meeting, Joint CP (Crime & Traffic) Rupesh Kumar said, “A three-month suspension is too lenient, especially in cases involving loss of life,” said Kumar. “We need stricter measures to ensure road safety and responsible driving behaviour,” said another cop.The police department has recommended a graduated suspension system. In response, the transport department said suspensions ranging from six months to five years, based on severity of the violations already exist. Fatal accidents caused by negligent driving would warrant longer suspension periods under the proposed guidelines. —Dwaipayan Ghosh
