The Delhi high court on Thursday said the odd-even scheme of the AAP government was a success to some extent as the idea had appealed to the people and not because of the Rs 2,000 fine imposed for violations.

The two-judge bench of Justices Badar Durrez Ahmed and Sanjeev Sachdeva said that while the decrease in pollution levels due to the scheme might have been marginal, it had some good side effects like reduction in congestion on roads and people’s participation. The court made these observations in response to the submission of the Delhi traffic police that the scheme was successful mainly due to the fine payable for violation.

The court said the Delhi government was successful in publicising the concept and making it appealing to the masses and asked the traffic police to undertake a similar exercise to encourage people to follow rules. “Think imaginatively,” the court told the officer who was also asked to ensure that traffic rules are implemented.

The court asserted that the traffic police officers do not take action against violators, especially those who jump carriageways and move into oncoming lanes to get ahead during jams. It said that such conduct makes the traffic situation worse.

Justice Ahmed also said he and his family missed out on a movie after they were stuck in a jam and reached the theatre three hours after leaving home when usually the journey would have taken them only 40 minutes.

DCP Romil Baaniya (Traffic HQ) said small fines of Rs 100 were not a deterrent so despite the large number of challans it has issued against violators, such violations continue.

He said there was a need to re-work the fines that can be imposed for traffic violations and sought directions from the court to the Centre in this regard. The bench, however, refused to pass any such order.