Srinagar: Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Traffic, Srinagar City, Ajaz Ahmed on Tuesday issued a stern warning to car dealers and shopkeepers, asserting that public roads in Srinagar cannot be used for commercial activities or long-duration parking.
Speaking to reporters here, the SSP said traffic authorities have observed several car dealers illegally displaying vehicles on roads across different parts of the city, leading to traffic congestion and inconvenience to commuters. He cautioned that all such vehicles found occupying road space would be lifted and strict legal action would be initiated against the violators.
“Roads are meant for smooth movement of traffic, not for running businesses,” the SSP said, adding that misuse of public roads would not be tolerated under any circumstances.
Ajaz Ahmed also issued a clear warning to shopkeepers, particularly in busy city-centre areas such as Lal Chowk, against parking their personal vehicles outside their shops for the entire day. According to KNT, he said shopkeepers must use designated parking spaces or opt for public transport to commute to their places of business.
“They cannot occupy precious road space by parking their vehicles outside shops throughout the day,” he said, stressing that such practices severely disrupt traffic flow and pedestrian movement.
Clarifying the distinction between shopkeepers and shoppers, the SSP said customers are permitted to stop briefly to make purchases and then move on. However, he underlined that shopkeepers are not allowed to block roads or footpaths by keeping their vehicles parked for extended hours.
Responding to public concerns about traffic challans, the SSP clarified that challans are not issued merely on the basis of photographs taken on mobile phones. He said the traffic police follow a proper legal procedure, and in most cases, paper challans are issued on the spot after due verification.
Reiterating the department’s commitment to maintaining discipline on city roads, the SSP said strict measures would continue to be enforced to ensure smooth traffic movement. He appealed to the public to cooperate with traffic authorities in the larger interest of commuters and pedestrians.
