The traffic control branch of Mumbai Police registered 214 cases of drunk driving in just 3 hours on Thursday. From 11 pm to 3 am, 38 cases of rash and negligent driving and 52 cases of speeding were also recorded.

Although the motorists booked for drunk driving were let off after they paid a fine of Rs 2,000, their licenses were impounded, which means they can’t drive without getting it back.

“Such checkings are usually conducted during weekends. But we were surprised when more than 200 motorists were caught within three hours,” said Joint Commissioner of Traffic Vijay Kamble.

Police officers from all traffic chowkies were instructed to detect drunk drivers with breath analysers. The senior inspectors of all the traffic divisions in Mumbai assisted by sub inspectors and other staff members were deployed at various junctions like Worli Naka, Mahim junction, Maheshwari Circle, BARC flyover, S V Road, Linking Road and near Palm Grove Hotel, Juhu.

Driving under the influence of alcohol is considered a serious offence in India. In the event of an accident under the influence of alcohol, the punishment for the offender can be a fine and/or imprisonment up to six months.

“A person is booked for drunk driving when alcohol content in his blood is more than 0.05 per cent. His driving licence is suspended for at least six months,” said a senior police official.

The Traffic police have intensified checking at various points in the city after a number of cases of accidents due to drunk driving were registered in the recent past.

The Mumbai Traffic Police have made an appeal to motorists to exercise more control on their drinking and avoid driving after consuming alcohol.

People should make use of public transport like autos and taxis if they have consumed alcohol, the police said.