JAMMU, Aug 22: Traffic violations continue to remain a major concern on Jammu's roads, with motorists openly flouting rules amid growing vehicular pressure, poor lane discipline, roadside parking and questions over traffic management in parts of the city.
Violations being reported across Jammu include obscured or missing number plates, unauthorised tinted glasses, overloading, improper parking, lane indiscipline, dangerous overtaking and red-light violations.
The continued use of red and blue flasher lights and hooters by private vehicles has also raised concern, as such equipment is meant for authorised emergency and designated vehicles. Citizens have questioned the effectiveness of enforcement when violations occur openly or are brought to the notice of traffic personnel without visible action.
The issue has assumed greater significance in Jammu North, where several traffic signals have reportedly been switched off to prevent congestion. Traffic experts have questioned whether shutting down signals is an effective long-term solution or merely a temporary measure.
A retired engineer said congestion at signalised junctions could stem from inappropriate signal timings, increased traffic volumes, inadequate road capacity, turning movements, roadside parking, encroachments or poor junction design. Instead of switching off signals, he suggested scientifically reviewing signal timings and adopting better traffic-engineering measures.
Experts have also stressed the need for synchronisation of adjoining signals, lane management, CCTV-based monitoring and consistent electronic challaning. They said technology-based enforcement should complement, rather than replace, ground-level traffic regulation.
A comprehensive review of traffic signals, particularly in Jammu North, has been suggested to determine their operational status and assess whether changes were made after proper traffic-flow studies.
Authorities have also been urged to maintain sustained enforcement against number-plate violations, illegal tinting, overloading, improper parking and other offences to improve road safety and restore traffic discipline.
SSP Traffic Jammu Amit Bhasin said all-out efforts were being made to curb traffic violations and ensure compliance with road-safety rules. He emphasised that road discipline was the responsibility of both enforcement agencies and citizens.
Bhasin also said that a massive enforcement drive will soon be launched across Jammu to check violations and book offenders under the law.
