 Early Times Report
KATHUA, Apr 17: In a concerted crackdown on traffic violations, the Motor Vehicles Department (MVD), Kathua, conducted a special enforcement drive along the National Highway, imposing penalties amounting to ?4.37 lakh and initiating stringent action against violators.
The drive was carried out under the supervision of Regional Transport Officer (RTO), Lakhanpur, Surinder Paul Sharma, and led by Assistant Regional Transport Officer (ARTO) Shammi Kumar, following directions from the Transport Commissioner, Jammu & Kashmir.
Officials said that 145 vehicles were inspected during the intervening night, of which 46 were challaned for various violations. The enforcement exercise resulted in the collection of ?4,37,500 as fines.
In a significant move to curb unsafe practices, five goods carriers were seized, primarily for overloading. Additionally, eight driving licences were suspended on the spot for serious violations, underlining a strict approach towards road safety enforcement.
The department maintained a particular focus on checking overloading in goods vehicles and ensuring compliance among All India Tourist Buses, which continue to remain under close scrutiny due to safety concerns.
The enforcement team comprised Motor Vehicle Inspectors Jatinder Chib and Vikas Shrivats, Senior Motor Vehicle Inspector (SMVI) Neeraj Kumar, along with other officials of the department.
Reiterating the department's commitment, ARTO Shammi Kumar said such drives would continue in the coming days to ensure adherence to traffic norms. He added that violations, especially overloading and non-compliance by tourist buses, would invite strict action.
Officials emphasised that sustained enforcement measures are aimed at enhancing road safety and ensuring disciplined movement of vehicles along key highway stretches. |
