‘Teenaged’ Matador drivers put passengers at risk
Tribune News Service
Jammu, February 14
Traffic rules have no relevance for rashly driven private Matadors plying on different routes in the winter capital.
Most of these vehicles are driven by “inexperienced teenagers”, putting the lives of passengers and commuters on the road in danger. But despite all this, no serious initiative has been taken by the authorities concerned to curb the menace.
The problem is greater within the areas like Shastri Nagar, Nanak Nagar, Gandhi Nagar, Kachi Chawni and Trikuta Nagar where roads are not that wide.
The Traffic Police Department failed to take strict action against the erring drivers, who continue to play with the lives of passengers.
The situation is turning worse by the day as no initiatives have been taken by the authorities to check whether the drivers are holding valid licences or not.
“At the ever-busy Bikram Chowk, there is a race among drivers of Matadors plying on different routes to pick up as many passengers as they can. All this happens right under the nose of the Traffic Police officials,” alleged Rajesh, a city resident.
“The Traffic Police for the sake of formality challans Matador drivers, but that does not solve the purpose. The chaotic situation persists at other places like Jewel Chowk, Panjtirthi Chowk, Ambphalla Chowk, etc…, where despite heavy rush of passengers drivers do not slow down their vehicles,” added Jagdish, a local.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Traffic, Jammu, Mohan Lal said: “The department has launched a drive to check the licences of drivers of private Matadors plying on different routes in the city and if anybody is found violating the law he is being penalised.”
