Traffic Rules Violated With Impunity: High Court

Source: kashmirobserver.net

SRINAGAR — Observing that traffic rules and regulation are violated with impunity in Kashmir, the Jammu and Kashmir High Court on Wednesday directed the IGP Traffic Kashmir to submit report to show traffic rules are adhered to in the Valley.

Hearing a Public Interest Litigation, a division bench of Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice Rashid Ali Dar also sought details of challans made against the persons using mobile phones while driving as well against those not using safety belts.  

The road users, the court said, are not comporting to requirements of wearing hamlets, safety bells are not used and mobile usage is rampant.

It also directed the concerned authorities to place before the court safety measures taken for the safety of passengers and school going children.

During the course of proceedings of the case, the court observed that the traffic rules and regulation are violated with impunity, resulting into loss of precious lives due to road accidents and the authorities are not aware of their responsibility.

The Court emphasized upon the authorities to adopt safety measures and save the precious lives lost in the road accidents.

In this connection court directed the Inspector General of Police to ensure and place before the court the report whether traffic rules are followed on the ground.

The IGP traffic has also been directed to examine and consider e-challaning and e-linking of same with the traffic courts. “Details of challans affected against the violators shall also be placed on record and IGP shall personally monitor the said process”, the court directed.

The court directed the SMC to place on record statutory provisions, rules, regulations and bylaws regarding the optimal height at which pavements are to be constructed.

The SMC, the court said, it should be ensured that approach provision be made so that the pavements are made accessible to the persons with special needs.