Srinagar, Dec 29:
In a bid to enhance road safety and reduce fatalities, the Jammu and Kashmir traffic department has amassed a significant ₹30 crore in fines from traffic violators between January 1 and November 30. An additional ₹64 crore in challans awaits resolution in various Union Territory courts, according to a senior traffic official.
Speaking to Rising Kashmir, the senior traffic official revealed that the efforts are geared towards decreasing fatalities in the UT, with a staggering 12,52,000 challans issued to traffic violators in the current year. The department has also identified 201 “black spots,” where over three accidents have occurred, and over 40 of these spots have been addressed by deploying traffic personnel. The officer highlighted that these initiatives have successfully reduced accidents in these areas.
Emphasising the primary focus on educating the public about traffic rules, the senior traffic official stated, “We can only penalize the traffic violators; there are some other departments that need to take strict action against this growing concern.”
Despite the relentless efforts to minimize road accidents, fatalities continue to be reported. The officer acknowledged the challenge, stating, “We can’t stop accidents, but we are trying our best, and around 50 per cent of vehicles have been penalized.” The traffic department is organizing awareness campaigns for different age groups to promote responsible driving.
Addressing the consistent fatality rate in recent years, the officer attributed the decline in road accidents to the growth in the number of vehicles. With around 21.6 lakh vehicles in the Union Territory, and an increase of approximately 1.21 lakh vehicles in the current year, the officer believes this growth has contributed to the overall reduction in accidents.
Despite improvements, the Pir Panchal region continues to witness higher fatalities. The officer stressed the importance of civic sense, urging individuals to exercise caution when crossing roads and avoid excessive speeds that contribute to accidents.
The officer urged drivers to recognize their rights on the road while also being mindful that the space where they park their vehicles doesn’t belong exclusively to them.
