Authorities continue crackdown to prevent underage driving in Srinagar

Srinagar, Nov 21: Traffic Police today conducted drives near various schools in the city to prevent minors from driving two-wheelers and cars.

This first-of-its-kind initiative aims to improve road safety and enforce traffic laws, especially in areas frequented by students.

The drive has been launched in the aftermath of Tengpora accident where two young students lost their lives due to overspending.

Traffic Police has intensified its crackdown on minors riding two-wheelers and four-wheelers in a bid to save precious lives.

The drive started today at Soura locality targeting minors driving vehicles to schools. The move has been welcomed by parents and local communities, who see it as crucial for protecting young lives and preventing accidents.

Speaking about the initiative, a senior traffic police officer said, “We are committed to continuing this drive to ensure minors are not allowed to drive vehicles. We have been urging schools to take responsibility and make sure their students don’t bring vehicles to school.”

The officer also stressed the role of schools in this effort. “We request school administrations to appoint staff to check whether students arriving at school are driving. Teachers also have an important role in identifying and stopping such practices,” he added.

The drive has received positive feedback from residents, with many praising its importance in promoting road safety. “This is a great step by the Traffic Police. We often see minors driving recklessly, which puts everyone, including themselves, at risk. Such initiatives are necessary to prevent accidents,” said Farooq Ahmad, a shopkeeper at Ellahi Bagh

Shugufta, a mother of two school-going children, also praised the campaign. “It’s high time we addressed this issue. Parents need to take responsibility and ensure their children don’t get access to vehicles. This effort by the authorities is much appreciated,” she said.

The Traffic Police also announced strict action against violators, including fines and confiscation of vehicles. They stressed that parents of minors caught driving would also be held accountable. “Parents must understand that allowing their children to drive is not only illegal but also dangerous. Their cooperation is essential to making this drive successful,” the senior traffic police officer noted.

The authorities have appealed to families to educate their children about traffic rules and the dangers of underage driving. The Traffic Police also plan to expand the campaign to other areas of Srinagar in the coming weeks to ensure wider compliance.

Underage driving has been a serious concern in Srinagar, with minors often seen riding two-wheelers or driving cars without licenses. These violations not only endanger young drivers but also pedestrians and other motorists.

With this drive, the Traffic Police aim to raise awareness and enforce rules to protect everyone on the road. The initiative has already set a positive example, and authorities hope it will encourage parents and schools to take greater responsibility.

As the drive gains momentum, residents remain hopeful about its impact. “This drive is not just about punishing minors; it’s about teaching children the importance of safety and responsibility. We all have a role to play in this effort,” said Amina, a local resident.