Major crackdown conducted on traffic violators in Poonch

Poonch, July 11:  In a major joint operation aimed at enforcing traffic laws and spreading awareness among the public, the Motor Vehicles Department Poonch, under the leadership of ARTO Poonch Nasir Khan and SO Traffic Mandi-Loran Riaz Ahmed Manhas, conducted a series of intensive vehicle checks in collaboration with the Traffic Police.Checkpoints were set up at various locations along the Mandi-Poonch highway, and Surankote where documents of more than 345 private and commercial vehicles, including motorcycles, were thoroughly inspected. The authorities issued 48 challans for violations such as incomplete documents, driving without seat belts or helmets, and operating vehicles without licenses. Around Rs 95,000 in fines were collected, and four vehicles were seized for serious infractions.Additionally, the Traffic Police imposed penalties for various other offenses: one tractor was seized, four vehicles were fined for overloading, three for violating token tax rules, one for non-compliance with uniform regulations, and three for driving without valid insurance. These offenses led to 12 additional challans and fines amounting to approximately Rs 5,500.Separately, in the Surankote area, a major operation was carried out where challans were issued to 70 vehicles, and a hefty fine of ₹3 lakh was collected. Similarly, in Mandi, further enforcement actions were taken, with several vehicles challaned and seized, resulting in the collection of Rs 1,00,500 in fines.In total, the department collected Rs 4,00,500 in fines through this combined campaign.
Speaking on the occasion, ARTO Poonch Nasir Khan emphasised that the aim of the drive was not just to penalize violators, but also to educate the public about the importance of following traffic rules.“We conducted this campaign at various locations on the Mandi-Poonch road, especially in peripheral areas, to send a clear message that traffic violations will not be tolerated, even in far-flung regions,” he said.
He further stated that vehicles with illegal modifications and poor fitness were also targeted during the campaign to highlight the risks they pose to public safety. “Through your platform, I appeal to all drivers – whether commercial or private – to refrain from illegal modifications, as these not only endanger their own lives but also those of others on the road.”