Ishtiyaq Kar
Srinagar, July 19 (KINS): In a strong push to curb rising traffic violations and road accidents, the Assistant Regional Transport Officer (ARTO), Headquarters Srinagar, Anees Ahmad, on Saturday supervised an intensive traffic enforcement drive, vowing strict action against violators in the coming days.
Expressing serious concern over the increasing number of fatal road accidents, Anees Ahmad said, “Every day we are witnessing deaths on the roads. Unfortunately, many of the victims are teenagers. It’s heartbreaking and unacceptable. That is why we are conducting these drives with utmost seriousness.”
The ARTO emphasized that traffic safety must be a shared responsibility. “People are not following rules, and that is a big concern. We have kept a dedicated roster for enforcement drives. We seize vehicles and penalize violators. But more importantly, we want to create a sense of responsibility among citizens. We don’t want more people dying on the roads,” Anees told news agency KINS.
Highlighting the dangers of underage driving, ARTO Anees Ahmad made a direct appeal to parents:“Giving vehicles to minors is both illegal and dangerous. I request all parents not to allow their underage children to drive. If anyone is found guilty, we will take legal action. No one will be spared if found violating the law.”
He further added that law-abiding citizens are respected and that the department’s goal is to ensure safe and sensible driving practices for everyone.
“We respect those who follow the rules. But we will punish those who don’t. Sensible driving is everyone’s responsibility. We have to collectively work towards making our roads safer,” he asserted.
The enforcement drive included on-the-spot inspections, seizure of vehicles without valid documents or being driven by minors, and immediate challans against traffic rule violators.
Inspector Manzoor Ahmad Qureshi, who was also present during the drive, reiterated the department’s resolve.
“These drives are necessary because we see a large number of violations daily. We will continue them regularly. My appeal to drivers is to obey traffic rules sincerely. It’s for everyone’s safety,” he said.(KINS)
