Unchecked speeding tippers endanger commuters in Srinagar

Srinagar, Oct 12: Failure of authorities to act against speeding tippers and trucks is endangering commuters in the summer capital who live in constant fear on roads.

A few days ago, a speeding truck went out of control and rammed into a shop at the Rawalpora area, damaging property and injuring the driver. The incident has once again turned the spotlight on the growing menace of speeding tippers and heavy vehicles in the city. Srinagarites decry that it is endangering commuters and pedestrians, particularly during evening and night hours when their movement is permitted.

Residents said that for years, the reckless movement of these heavy vehicles has been putting lives at risk. “After evening, these tippers act as if the roads belong only to them. They drive rashly, overtake dangerously, and don’t care about anyone else on the road. There have been so many accidents, and still there is no serious check on them,” said Bashir Ahmad, a commuter from Bemina.

“Why aren’t the Traffic Police launching a drive in night hours to act against speeding tippers?” asked Abdul Hamid, a commuter, pointing towards the cavalcade of speeding tippers at MA Road.

Locals and officials alike acknowledge that many tipper drivers use tactics to avoid detection and penalties. "Some vehicles are seen running without number plates, while others deliberately smear or cover them with mud or cloth," said Manzoor Ahmad, a pedestrian at Soura.

Commuters said that there have even been instances where drivers have been found using adjustable plates to hide their identity while violating traffic rules.

Traffic officials admit that these practices make it difficult to trace violators once accidents occur. They said that many of these vehicles operate during hours when traffic is lighter, and drivers take advantage of that. In some cases, they even change routes to avoid checkpoints.

The latest crash comes amid a series of similar mishaps involving heavy vehicles across Srinagar. Last year, a tipper plunged into Dal Lake after losing control near Foreshore Road, killing the driver. Reports of tippers racing through areas like Parimpora, Shalteng, and Dalgate have been frequent, with locals alleging that such vehicles are often seen overspeeding with impunity.

A senior officer from the Srinagar Traffic Police said that enforcement drives are being intensified against such traffic violations. “We have been taking strict action against drivers involved in speeding or tampering with registration plates. Whenever we seize such vehicles, we also counsel the drivers and refer repeat offenders for stronger legal action,” said the official, while adding that drives have been intensified against each violation and they will continue to keep the check.

Despite periodic crackdowns, residents say the problem persists because the measures are short-lived. They demand stricter surveillance during night hours and permanent checkpoints at key routes. “This will also prevent ferrying of construction material for illegal constructions,” they added.