‘ITMS crucial to transform road safety’

Srinagar, Jun 29: As the Transport Department continues its extensive road safety audit and enforcement campaign across the Union Territory, ARTO Flying Squad Kashmir Mubashir Jan on Monday said that an Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS) is essential to transform road safety across Jammu and Kashmir.
Speaking to reporters in north Kashmir’s Sopore, ARTO Jan, said the department has nearly completed a comprehensive road safety audit in Jammu and Kashmir, with inspections conducted in all districts except two, including Baramulla. The findings have been compiled and submitted to the higher authorities for further action.
“The audit focused on technical inspections of vehicles, driver competence, training standards, behaviour on roads, compliance with vehicle safety protocols and the identification of black spots and grey spots prone to accidents,” he said, adding that vehicles found violating mandatory safety norms are recommended for suspension.
Mubashir said the National Highway and hilly roads continue to account for the highest number of road accidents, making them priority areas for enforcement and infrastructure improvements.
Highlighting the challenges before the department, the ARTO said the number of enforcement personnel has not increased in proportion to the rapidly growing number of vehicles on the roads. He maintained that while manpower remains limited, technology can significantly strengthen enforcement.
“It is time to adopt an Intelligent Traffic Management System. Technology can bring the kind of change that conventional enforcement alone cannot achieve,” he said.
Referring to Baramulla district, the officer said traffic enforcement has resulted in challans exceeding Rs 1 crore so far this FY, besides the suspension of thousands of registration certificates and driving licences for various traffic violations.
He, however, clarified that the objective of enforcement is not revenue generation but improving road discipline.
“Challans are a deterrent, not the destination. We are not happy to challan people. Enforcement is necessary to create awareness and ensure compliance, but lasting road safety will only come through responsible driving and behavioural change,” Jan said.
The ARTO acknowledged that gaps in road safety compliance still exist but expressed hope that improving road infrastructure, coupled with stricter enforcement and greater public awareness, will help reduce accidents in the coming years. (KNO)