Traffic police launch strict checks, book rule-breaking drivers

KATHMANDU: Traffic Police have launched strict monitoring and action against drivers flouting traffic rules in Kathmandu Valley.

The Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office launched a special campaign after concluding that consumption of alcohol and drugs, together with traffic violations, were major reasons behind the recent rise in road accidents. Officers carry out checks in the early morning targeting public-vehicle drivers, while riders of two-wheelers are checked during the day and evening.

Senior Superintendent of Police Nabaraj Adhikari, chief of the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office, said the campaign was launched with passengers’ safety as a priority and to reduce road accidents. He said a trend of careless driving is not acceptable and that stern action should be taken against such drivers, as fines are not enough; a process would even be initiated to revoke licences if needed.

Dozens of drivers have faced action after they were found driving while consuming alcohol and drugs. Traffic Police spokesperson Naresh Raj Subedi said the campaign would continue in different places in the coming days and that drivers would be urged to travel safely.

A total of 12 drivers operating vehicles under the influence of alcohol faced action during surprise checks carried out at different locations in the Kathmandu Valley this morning. Subedi said action was taken against two drivers of public vehicles, two of mini-trucks, and one each of a school bus, microbus, tempo (three-wheeler) and tourist van, as well as three drivers of private cars.

Meanwhile, the traffic police have prepared to recommend to the concerned bodies that the licences of those driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs — and thereby putting passengers’ lives at risk — be revoked. The Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office has urged passengers to inform the nearest police office or call the traffic control room hotline if drivers show suspicious activity.

(With inputs from RSS)