Traffic authorities urge schools to follow bus safety rules

Srinagar, Nov 19: The traffic police is taking slew of measures to streamline traffic management in rural areas of Kashmir and city outskirts which forms a large part of Kashmir’s traffic system. Traffic authorities while ensuring smooth traffic on roads are seeking the cooperation of all stakeholders for a better traffic management system. Besides, the traffic authorities are going to act tough against the traffic violators which include seizure of vehicles and suspension of vehicle registration.

In an interview with Greater Kashmir, the Senior Superintendent of Police Traffic (Rural) Ravinderpal Singh who assumed the charge in March this year gave a detailed insight into various measures being taken by the traffic police to ensure proper traffic management, road safety and to curb traffic violations.

SSP said that traffic police regularly conducts awareness campaign on traffic rules and road safety in schools, colleges, offices and road corners, adding that people particularly commuters and drivers should understand rules for their safety and follow them whether a cop is present or not.

About the complaints of overcrowding in public transport as well as in school buses, the SSP said that they are regularly doing checks and inspections to stop this. Singh said that the overcrowding in school buses is unacceptable and a special emphasis is being made to ensure that the school buses are following the Supreme Court guidelines and traffic rules.

“We would like to convey to school management of all the educational institutes to ensure compliance with all relevant rules and Supreme Court guidelines aimed at ensuring safety of student while on their way to and from schools. Strict action under law will be taken for non compliance “ SSP traffic said.

He said that all school buses must have an attendant on them to look after the children onboard besides the driver. SSP Traffic Rural Kashmir said that crackdown against stunt riding and other traffic violations will be stepped up and that the offenders, who put others lives in danger in addition to their own, will be taken to task. He said besides ignoring traffic rules, underage drivers also drive recklessly on roads, endangering theirs as well as other road users’ lives. “Will take swift action against underage driving and those without driving licenses and the cops would also be summoning parents for counseling,” he added.

SSP also cautioned parents against buying a two-wheeler for their minor children and urged them to keep a close eye on their wards so as to save their lives and the lives of others and also urged motorists to cooperate and follow the traffic rules.

SSP further said that to rein in traffic-violators, the department has launched a special drive at prominent spots to identify and punish those failing to comply with the rules.

He said to ensure smooth and safe traffic flow across the Valley, traffic police will act tough against the violators, imposing fines and penalties in accordance with the law.

“Special squads have been made to keep a vigil on traffic violators, the squads will penalize motorists for not using seat belts while driving four wheelers, two wheeler riders travelling without helmets, and seize vehicles plying without HSRP,” SSP traffic Rural Kashmir told Greater Kashmir.

In a strong message to those who have been challaned for various traffic violations, the SSP urged them to approach the concerned quarters and get their challans cleared otherwise their vehicles will face suspension of vehicle registration.

SSP Traffic added that they are assessing the concerns of the commuters with regard to availability of parking spaces besides taking up the issue of removal of encroachment on roads with the concerned authorities.

SSP said that he is personally visiting every district to assess the traffic management system and has ensured that all the officials work with commitment.