Speeding tippers pose risk to commuters in Srinagar

Srinagar, Nov 4: Failure of authorities to take action against drivers of speeding tippers is endangering the lives of commuters, especially in peak evening and night hours.

“Movement of tippers at high speeding during evening and night hours has become a matter of concern as this poses a risk to commuters. I often travel during late evening hours to home.  It is shocking to see speeding tippers and trucks playing without any fear. These tipper drivers are encouraged in the absence of traffic cops,” said Faisal Ahmad, a commuter.

The commuters said many of these tippers ply without number plates. They said that vehicle operators usually hide number plates to avoid being traced for over-speeding and other offenses. Commuters alleged that these tipper operators are using tactics to hide the number plates so that they can escape accountability.

Recently, many videos surfaced on social media where commuters recorded the movement of tippers without number plates. In several videos, tipper drivers were seen performing stunts.

“So many accidents involving tippers in the past led to the death of several pedestrians, commuters, and even drivers as well. A small step towards better traffic regulation can address the issue permanently. We hope that traffic police will increase late-night traffic checks so that lives are saved,” said Arshid Ahmad, a local.

Last year, a traffic cop among two was killed in a road accident after a speeding truck hit them in Srinagar. Earlier this year, another tipper plunged into Dal Lake when its driver lost control. The incident led to the death of the driver.

SSP Traffic Police (Srinagar) Muzaffar Ahmad Shah said that addressing the issue of speeding vehicles is the main component of their drives.

“We also called stakeholders in this regard recently to make everyone aware. We will still increase the checks and ensure that no traffic offense, including speeding tippers, goes unaddressed,” Shah said.