Srinagar, Dec 16: In a bid to enhance road safety and curb the rising number of road accidents, the traffic police in Jammu and Kashmir have directed stringent measures against owners who have modified their vehicles.
Senior traffic officials have emphasised that these efforts are essential to penalise reckless drivers and ensure the safety of road users.
Speaking to the Rising Kashmir, the Inspector General of Traffic, Bhim Sen Tuti, said the department has recommended the cancellation of route permits and licenses for 200 vehicles found to have multiple violations. Tuti highlighted the necessity of these measures, particularly addressing the issue of vehicle design changes, such as the closure of emergency exits in buses and minibuses.
“Alterations to vehicle design, including colour changes and other modifications, have been identified as contributing factors to road accidents. Strict actions are now being taken to prevent such alterations, and vehicle owners are being educated on adhering to traffic rules and refraining from modifying their vehicles,” IGP said.
Tuti, further, revealed: “Approximately Rs 70 crore are pending in challans from the last two years. Some vehicles with around 100 pending challans will face strict actions, including registration cancellation.” He urged vehicle owners with pending challans to clear them, emphasising that several Lok Adalats are organised for defaulters, offering reduced fines as an opportunity to rectify their wrongdoing.
To tackle the issue at its root, the traffic police are intensifying efforts in accident hotspots. Over 200 accident-prone areas have been identified, and initiatives are underway to transform them into accident-free zones. The overarching goal is to create a safer driving environment in Jammu and Kashmir and encourage responsible behaviour on the roads.
In the ongoing drive for road safety, the traffic police are optimistic that a combination of strict enforcement, education, and outreach efforts will lead to a significant reduction in road accidents across the region.
