Srinagar, Nov 29: Regional Transport Officer (RTO) Kashmir, Syed Shahnawaz Bukhari, Friday said “we cannot succeed in our mission until individuals adopt helmets and other safety measures willingly, not just to avoid fines but as a guarantee of their own lives.”
This awareness is critical, and everyone, especially those with a wide reach, has a responsibility to spread this message, he said.
Speaking to reporters here, Bukhari noted that enforcing traffic rules alone cannot bring about a lasting change. “It is not feasible to stop and check every vehicle on the road. The focus must be on self-compliance and voluntary adherence to traffic rules. This reflects our family values and our responsibility to protect not only our own lives but also the lives of others,” he added.
He also stated that the number of challans issued is not an accurate measure of road safety. “The ideal situation is one where no challans are issued because people naturally follow the rules. A lower number of challans could indicate better compliance. Our goal should be a system where enforcement is unnecessary because road users act responsibly,” he stated.
He urged the public to adopt road safety measures voluntarily, emphasizing the need for awareness and responsibility among all stakeholders. Addressing a recent gathering, Bukhari highlighted that compliance with traffic rules should not stem from fear of penalties but from a deeper understanding of the importance of safety.
Acknowledging the efforts of the Transport Department, Bukhari said, “We conduct traffic enforcement drives, but enforcement alone is not enough. We need collective responsibility to create a culture of safety.”
The RTO reiterated his appeal to all stakeholders to take their roles seriously, ensuring a safer and more disciplined road environment in Kashmir.
Regarding delays in issuing driving licenses, assuring that the two-year backlog will soon be resolved. He explained that the delays were primarily due to challenges such as tendering but noted that significant progress has been made.
“We faced a two-year backlog due to various issues like tendering. However, these challenges are being addressed. The technical phase of the tendering process is complete, and the financial aspect will be finalized within 10 days. Once this is done, the issuance of licenses will proceed smoothly,” Bukhari stated.
