Bandipora, July 4 (KNS): In a significant move aimed at strengthening road safety and enforcing traffic norms, the Assistant Regional Transport Officer (ARTO) Bandipora Mudasir Ahmad (JKAS) on Thursday conducted a surprise enforcement drive at multiple key locations across the district.

The drive, conducted under the supervision of ARTO Bandipora, focused on checking vehicular documents, fitness certificates, and adherence to safety standards such as wearing helmets and seatbelts. The team checked dozens of vehicles and issued over 40 challans to violators for non-compliance with the Motor Vehicles Act.

An amount exceeding ?40,000 was realized in penalties on the spot, reflecting the department’s serious approach toward curbing traffic violations and ensuring public safety on roads.

Speaking on the occasion, ARTO Bandipora said, “The aim of such drives is not merely punitive but preventive.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelOur goal is to cultivate a culture of responsible driving and to remind people that road safety is everyone’s responsibility.”

Locals largely welcomed the move, expressing hope that such regular checks would help in minimizing accidents and ensuring safer roads, particularly in view of the increasing number of vehicles in the district.

The ARTO further informed that such surprise drives will continue in the coming weeks, with special focus on school transport, overloaded passenger vehicles, and rash driving.

Authorities have urged the public to ensure their vehicles are properly documented and maintained, and to always follow traffic rules for their own safety and the safety of others.(KNS)