Roads not for business: SSP Traffic warns car dealers in Srinagar, Asks Lal Chowk shopkeepers to stop parking their cars outside shops

Srinagar, Jan 6, KNT: Senior Superintendent of Police Traffic, Srinagar City, Ajaz Ahmed on Tuesday issued a stern warning to car dealers and shopkeepers, stating that roads in Srinagar city cannot be used for business or long-duration parking.

Talking to reporters in Srinagar, the SSP said several car dealers were illegally displaying vehicles on roads in different parts of the city, causing traffic congestion and inconvenience to the general public. He warned that all vehicles found displayed on roads would be lifted and strict action would be taken under the law. “Roads are meant for smooth movement of traffic, not for running businesses,” he said.

The SSP also issued a clear warning to shopkeepers, particularly in the city centre areas, against parking their vehicles outside their shops for the entire day. He said shopkeepers must either use designated parking areas or rely on public transport to reach their places of business. “They cannot occupy road space by parking their vehicles outside shops throughout the day,” he added.

Clarifying the difference between shopkeepers and shoppers, the SSP said customers are allowed to stop briefly, purchase items and move on. However, he stressed that shopkeepers cannot block roads or footpaths by keeping their vehicles parked for long hours.

Addressing public concerns regarding traffic challans, the SSP clarified that traffic police do not issue challans solely on the basis of mobile phone photographs. He said there is a proper procedure for issuing challans and, in most cases, paper challans are issued on the spot following due process.

He said the traffic police will continue to take strict measures to ensure discipline on city roads and urged the public to cooperate in maintaining smooth traffic flow in Srinagar. [KNT]