As part of its drive against traffic violations, the police have fined over 16,000 vehicles and seized another 1,300 in past two month across the Valley.
“The department has fined 16,272 vehicles in the past two months for violating different traffic rules,” the police said in a statement. It added that 1,303 vehicles were also seized as a part of its drive against violators.
The police said fines and seizures were part of a rigorous campaign against traffic violators that was launched across Kashmir.
The administration has struggled to streamline traffic in the region, especially in Srinagar city where gridlocks and congestion during rush hour has become a common feature.
There has been a steep rise in the number of automobiles in the state with 12.95 lakh vehicles registered with the Transport Department.
As per official data, the number is increasing at an average of 1.10 lakh new vehicles per year and is expected to touch 15.75 lakh vehicles in the next three years.
Srinagar district has a total of 2.61 lakh vehicles.
The police said it also launched a weeklong campaign during the period to create awareness about traffic rules.
“The Kashmir Police have started a campaign through print, electronic and social media to make people aware of traffic rules and regulations,” the police said.
The drive is aimed at encouraging public to follow traffic norms, like using seat belts, crash helmets, proper documentation and maintenance of vehicles, avoiding wrong parking, overloading, over speeding, etc.
The police also made an appeal to the people, particularly drivers and vehicle owners, to obey the traffic rules and cooperate with the police for smooth and hassle free movement of traffic.
16,272 vehicles fined, 1,303 seized for violations across Valley in 2 months
