KATHMANDU: Traffic police have launched a strict monitoring and enforcement campaign against drivers violating traffic rules across Kathmandu Valley in a bid to reduce the growing risk of road accidents.
The special operation has been initiated by the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office after authorities concluded that drink driving, drug use and traffic rule violations are among the major causes of recent road accidents in the valley.
The campaign is being led by Senior Superintendent of Police Navaraj Adhikari, chief of the traffic office, who has been deployed on the streets with a team. At the same time, a team stationed at the traffic control room monitors violations and informs field officers about vehicles breaking the rules.
Traffic police have started inspections at different times of the day. Early morning checks primarily target public transport drivers, while afternoon and evening operations focus particularly on two-wheelers.
Officers have been deployed at major intersections, busy roads and accident-prone areas in the valley to test whether drivers are under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Adhikari said the campaign has been launched with priority given to reducing accidents and ensuring passenger safety, noting that public transport drivers are responsible for the safety of dozens of passengers.
According to traffic police, dozens of public transport drivers found operating vehicles under the influence of alcohol or drugs have already been taken into action under the ongoing campaign.
Authorities have also said they are preparing to recommend the cancellation of driving licences of drivers who operate vehicles under the influence, crash into road dividers or otherwise endanger passengers’ lives.
Spokesperson of the traffic office, Superintendent of Police Naresh Raj Subedi, said strict monitoring is also being carried out against drivers who violate traffic lights, particularly those who cross intersections even when the signal is red.
12 drivers booked for drink driving
In a surprise inspection conducted this morning across different parts of the valley, traffic police took action against 12 drivers found driving under the influence of alcohol.
According to SP Subedi, those penalised included drivers of two passenger buses, one school bus, two mini trucks, one Sumo, one microbus, one tempo, one tourist van and three private cars.
The traffic police office has also urged passengers to immediately inform the nearest police office or the traffic control room hotline if they suspect that drivers of passenger vehicles are under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
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