Shivam Bakshi
Jammu, Sep 17 (NVI) : Traffic Police Rural Jammu will launch an intensive enforcement drive against violations by e-rickshaws, e-autos and e-carts operating in four districts of the Union Territory from September 21, officials said on Thursday.
According to a public advisory issued by SSP Traffic Rural Jammu Farooq Qaiser, a total of 795 road accidents were reported in Kathua, Samba, Rajouri and Poonch between January 1 and August 31 this year, claiming 113 lives and leaving 1,161 people injured.
Of these, e-rickshaws, e-autos and e-carts were involved in 81 accidents, accounting for about 10 per cent of the total accidents, the advisory said.
The accidents involving these vehicles left two people dead and 164 injured, with several of the injured reportedly suffering grievous injuries resulting in disabilities.
Traffic Police said it had received complaints of violations by operators, including overloading, overcharging, over-speeding and driving by unauthorised persons.
As part of the enforcement measures, such vehicles will have to operate strictly within their prescribed territorial limits as specified in orders issued by the concerned District Magistrates. They will not be allowed to ply in other districts or tehsils, the advisory said.
The vehicles have also been barred from operating on national and state highways, flyovers, hilly areas and major state roads.
Drivers have been directed to wear the prescribed uniform and carry a valid and appropriate driving licence. Fare meters must be installed and kept functional in all such vehicles, it said.
Operators have also been instructed not to exceed the prescribed passenger or luggage capacity, overcharge passengers or violate stipulated speed limits.
The Traffic Police said the drive would focus on enforcing provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act and applicable rules, with the aim of improving road safety and preventing accidents involving such vehicles.—(NVI)
