KATHMANDU, Sept 30: Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office is stepping up enforcement of the rule requiring long-distance public vehicles operating at night to have two drivers as major festivals approach.
The traffic police said they will intensify monitoring to ensure passenger safety and reduce accidents caused by driver fatigue during long journeys.
Superintendent of Police Suresh Prasad Kafle, chief of the Valley Traffic Police Office, said authorities will conduct regular checks to determine whether long-distance public vehicles have two drivers.
Vehicles found operating with only one driver in violation of the rule will face action under the prevailing law, he said.
Kafle said the two-driver requirement is particularly important for long-distance night services, as drivers may not get adequate rest and prolonged driving can increase the risk of fatigue-related accidents.
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Naresh Raj Subedi, spokesperson for the Valley Traffic Police Office, said authorities would enforce the requirement more strictly.
“The rule requires night-service vehicles to have two drivers for the safety of both drivers and passengers. We are now enforcing it more strictly,” he said.
Subedi said having two drivers would allow them to take turns driving and help manage fatigue during long journeys.
Traffic police will also intensify checks on whether drivers of long-distance vehicles have consumed alcohol or drugs. Subedi said drivers will be checked before and during journeys to identify potential risks and prevent accidents.
The traffic police are preparing a special festival-season campaign as passenger numbers, ticket demand and long-distance vehicle movement are expected to increase.
The campaign will monitor the condition of vehicles, drivers’ qualifications and compliance with traffic rules. Authorities will also increase the presence of traffic police on roads during the day and night, particularly along major roads, busy traffic areas and locations where long-distance public vehicles operate.
The traffic police will also monitor public transport services to prevent passenger exploitation during the festive season. Authorities will coordinate with relevant agencies to take action against overcharging, ticket irregularities and other practices that inconvenience passengers.
Traffic police urged drivers to follow road safety rules and passengers to take necessary precautions during long-distance journeys.
The Valley Traffic Police Office said the special campaign aims to improve traffic management, increase police presence on the roads and ensure safer and smoother travel during the festival season.
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