Strict Crackdown on Traffic Violations by Transport Department and Police After Marchula Incident

Following the recent accident in Marchula, the transport department and local police have ramped up efforts to enforce traffic regulations across several routes. On Monday, three dedicated teams were formed to inspect vehicles along major routes, including Kaladhungi, Kotabagh, Bhimtal, Lalkuan, and Ramnagar. The aim of this intensified operation was to address violations, ensure compliance, and enhance safety measures for road users in the region.

The transport department teams were vigilant in catching vehicles breaking traffic laws, and their actions led to 57 vehicles receiving fines and six vehicles being seized on the spot. Among those vehicles, even electric rickshaws transporting water tanks were found to be in violation of certain rules and faced penalties.

The transport enforcement officer, Ashok Dimri, conducted checks along various routes, such as Haldwani, Kaladhungi, Kotabagh, Bailpadav, and Ramnagar, as part of the targeted drive. Additional officers, including Jagdish Chandra, monitored the Ramnagar, Mohan, and Marchula routes, while ARTO enforcement officer Jitendra focused on Haldwani, Bhimtal, and Lalkuan routes. Their inspections covered a wide range of compliance issues: improper vehicle operations, permit violations, non-payment of taxes, fitness certificate issues, lack of helmets and seat belts, and even the illegal transportation of passengers in goods vehicles.

RTO Enforcement Officer Dr. Gurdev Singh emphasized that the enforcement activities will continue regularly and that all vehicles must operate strictly within the rules. He noted that this initiative is critical for promoting road safety and for ensuring that drivers are more responsible on the roads.

In response to rising incidents, the Nainital police also accelerated their crackdown on overloaded vehicles. From Sunday onwards, police teams have been on high alert, taking action within 24 hours by issuing fines to 31 overloaded vehicles and seizing three of them. This rapid response came under directives from Director General of Police Abhinav Kumar, who urged all relevant departments to take stringent measures against vehicles violating traffic norms.

As per the instructions of Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) P.N. Meena, the Nainital police have focused their efforts on overloaded buses and cars. The police issued fines for eight overloaded buses and 23 cars, seizing three additional vehicles, including taxis found to be operating beyond capacity limits. This enforcement was intended to address the widespread issue of overloading, which contributes significantly to road safety risks in the area.

Superintendent of Police for Traffic, Harbans Singh, further instructed all police stations and checkpoints to conduct thorough inspections of both private and public transport vehicles. He noted that drivers exhibiting negligence would face legal action, as the department has a zero-tolerance policy for violations that jeopardize public safety. He confirmed that the operation will continue steadily, ensuring that drivers comply with safety rules, particularly regarding seat belts, helmets, and vehicle documentation.

On Monday alone, additional fines were issued for over ten vehicles, including those operating without seat belts or helmets, or lacking essential documentation. This robust and ongoing campaign highlights the increased vigilance of the transport and police departments, who are working together to create a safer environment for all road users.