GANGTOK, August 17: The East District police has appealed the people to cooperate with the traffic police to maintain the traffic rules and regulations in the Capital which will not only prevent frustrating traffic jams but also prevent accidents.
Refreshing its public awareness drive, the East District police have embarked on a mission to install traffic discipline among drivers and pedestrians in the capital.
It may be added here that Gangtok has seen an exponential rise in vehicular population over the years due to car loans and cut down in prices of family cars reflecting an increase in the quality of lifestyle among the people here.
However, on the flip side, the increase in vehicles along the narrow National Highway 31A from Ranipool to Zero Point and other parts of urban Gangtok usually create traffic nightmares especially during rush hours.
Though the traffic police have been credibly stemming the problems arising from increased vehicular population, undisciplined drivers and jaywalkers, the police have now stepped in with purpose to reinforce the traffic rules and regulations in the Capital.
It is in this mission, the East District police has appealed support and cooperation from the people to set up a hassle free traffic system in the capital.
“We are starting with minor issues for traffic management and we appeal the public for their cooperation”, said Dr. MS Tuli, SP (East) to media today.
The people have been appealed to use the flyovers in the Capital instead of trying to take on traffic by crossing the road.
Students from schools in and around Gangtok will be stationed at key intersections under supervision of the traffic police in the bazaar area to sensitize the pedestrians regarding to use flyovers instead of crossing the road directly. The students will be used as part of their Socially Usefully Productive Work (SUPW) curriculum.
The police will also take action as per law against vehicles having black stickers in the window panes. Action will also be taken against those vehicles that do not follow the prescribed norms during night driving.
Vehicles should also have proper side and rear windows. People have also been appealed not to use mobile phones during driving as the diversion in attention may cause accidents.
Proper helmets should also be used while riding bikes.
The SP (East) also requested the owners of those private vehicles have TC number plates to get the registration as early as possible. Commercial vehicles having TC number plates are not allowed to ply, he said.
Sikkim Served Fresh Daily
