No decline in road accidents despite increase in challans, seizure: RTO Kashmir

Srinagar, Nov 20: The Regional Transport Officer (RTO) Kashmir, Syed Shahnawaz Bukhari Wednesday said that there seems no let up in road accidents in Kashmir valley despite increase in challans and seizures being made by enforcement teams. He urged society at large to come forward and play its collective role in making people aware about sensible driving.

The RTO Kashmir said our enforcement part is always on toes which is a normal affair. “It is very unfortunate that we lost two young boys in a recent tragic road accident at Tengpora Bypass in Srinagar. When we see such incidents we deal with them seriously. Our enforcement teams remain alert on ground daily basis. But at the same time there is a need that society must realize its role and responsibility. The reckless driving shouldn’t be allowed, and condemned by all,” RTO Kashmir as per Greater Kashmir said.

He urged upon parents and society at large to play their role in curbing reckless driving by underage persons. “We cannot come back to ideal situation till parents, relatives, friends, neighbours and society at large will play their role in it, otherwise such accidents will continue to happen,” he said.

He appealed religious leaders and grassroots level political workers to aware people and convince them to play their role in stopping underage driving. “We are trying at our own level through measures available at us. But still there is a limit. How many two-wheelers and four-wheelers we will seize. There is a need to ponder upon beyond that. The society has a role in it, as it has major stake in putting end on rising road accidents,” RTO Kashmir said.

He said our office has directed all district teams to gear up enforcement drives and act tough against violators.

“In last few months our enforcement teams have challaned 1500-1600 vehicles in Srinagar district alone, and realized a fine of 37 lac rupees. Besides 1.75 crore rupees have been realized against traffic violations across Kashmir in past few months,” RTO Kashmir held.

He continued that though penalty amount is getting increased every year, but there seems no decline in road accidents. “There is a need that society should take it seriously and aware people about sensible driving,” he added.