Pune: Are you travelling in Pune city? Now, you don't need to wear face mask if you are within the confines of your private vehicles, Pune Mayor Murlidhar Mohol said on Friday. However, those travelling in public transport such as cabs or rickshaws will be penalised if caught without masks.

Pune Mayor Murlidhar said, "The rule of wearing face masks in private vehicle is lifted. The decision to relax the rule of mandatory use of face mask in the private vehicle was made after meeting with Guardian Minister along with Pune Police Commissioner, PMC Commissioner on Friday."

"There were discussions from past few days to give some relaxation on this rule. However, this is strictly for the private cars only. Those who are travelling in public vehicles must wear face mask compulsorily," he added.

With an aim to curtail the further spread of coronavirus, the civic body had increased vigilance in the Pune city and the violation of the mask rule attracted a penalty of Rs 500.

From May last year, 6,520 people were booked in the city for not wearing face masks. A fine of Rs 32,55,600 has already been recovered till date from the violators. Meanwhile, the number of violators came down as only 192 people were booked and a fine of Rs 96,000 was recovered.