There is reason enough to take them seriously if the sustained drive against autorickshaw drivers using kerosene was any indication. In a fortnight-long drive conducted along with the Regional Transport Office (RTO), more than 800 autorickshaws were seized from different parts of the city.

Interestingly, very few persons have turned up to collect their autorickshaws as also other vehicles seized during other checks. Frustrated by owners' apathy, the police have now decided to auction their vehicles on June 21 at 10 am. Meanwhile, the drive against errant drivers will continue regardless of the fact that hundreds of vehicles have remained unclaimed with them.

But it is the drive against fancy horns and number plates that will test the patience and will of the police. Though no case of accident caused by sudden blaring of fancy horns has officially been reported, there is every reason for the police to come down heavily on them.

Scores of youths can be easily seen in the city zooming their way through traffic by blaring horns. The one that produces the sound of a crying baby is the worst of all. It has been around for years, but the police could do little to book the culprits.

Police Commissioner Sharma, who took over in December, however, has been largely able to deal with offenders with a heavy hand. He may not have succeeded in everything, but the drives have caused enough consternation, especially among three-wheeler drivers, to take the police seriously.

Though absence of a number plate showing registration number violates CMV Rules there was little action from the police.

There are enough number of vehicles with `Press' and `Police' or `P' plying on the city roads to keep the police busy for a long time. Even owners and employees of printing presses carry `Press' tag in the city.