Organizing a press conference at Metro Traffic Police office, Ramshahpath Deputy Inspector General of Police(DIGP) Upendra Kanta Aryal, who joined as traffic head three weeks ago, said that the lapses in understanding and implementation of traffic rules have created traffic problems in Kathmandu. [break]
“We are all set to make people aware about the traffic rules and implement them strictly to overcome the traffic problem in the valley and minimize accidents.”
He said, “We have begun to archive records of drunk drivers in order to keep the information on the Police clearance report, that is provided by police headquarter which is necessary for people going abroad.” The license of the drivers who are caught driving under influence more than five times will be suspended, he said.
DIG Upendra Kanta Aryal in press meet. (Photo: Bijay Gajmer)
The police would also test drivers for DUI both during days and nights, he said.
Traffic police has also enforced stricter rule to obtain driving license. From now onwards, those seeking licenses need to give trial on the same type of vehicle that they want to get license for whereas in the past those seeking license for two-wheelers had the luxury of choosing any type of two-wheelers such as motorbike or scooter. As per the new regulations, the aspirants need to match even the engine power of the vehicle.
Traffic police has also decided to deploy plain clothed traffic police, including high ranking officers, in public vehicles of all routes in the valley to teach traffic related rules to passengers and drivers and to check violations.
Meanwhile the traffic division has been preparing to establish a traffic police sector at Singhadurbar to manage the traffic system in Putalisadak, Singhadurbar and Maitighar, DIG Aryal.
The Division is also preparing to address the complaints of victims of taxi drivers who charge excessive fares to the passengers. DIG Aryal said that the police is yet to regulate the modified motorbikes and vehicles, unwanted parking, financial irregularities within the institution on advertisement on dividers and billboards by making financial transactions and sponsorship transparent.
He added, “Without the proper coordination among the stakeholders and support of the people, traffic police alone can´t function well.
According to the Metropolitan Police Traffic about 1100 traffic police are deployed in the valley and over 90% accidents are caused by the human factor not the condition of the roads and traffic system.
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