Driving with Accountability: UP’s Battle Against Traffic Violations Gets Tougher

In a bold move to tighten the grip on traffic violators, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has announced a set of stringent measures, emphasizing the need for strict adherence to traffic rules. The new rules, effective immediately, bring about consequences such as license cancellation and vehicle seizure for habitual offenders.

Key Highlights of the New Traffic Safety Measures

1. License Cancellation: Repeated violations will result in the cancellation of driving licenses.
2. Vehicle Seizure: Vehicles owned by habitual offenders will face seizure.
3. Awareness and Enforcement: A dual approach, focusing on raising awareness and strict enforcement of traffic rules.

‘Road Safety Fortnight’ Campaign

To promote awareness about traffic rules and road safety, the state will observe a ‘Road Safety Fortnight’ from December 15 to 31. The campaign aims to educate citizens about responsible driving and adherence to traffic norms.

Decisions from the Uttar Pradesh State Road Safety Council Meeting

1. ARTo Road Safety Deployment: The deployment of ARTo Road Safety officers for the first time in the state.
2. Training and Research Institute: Establishment of a Training and Research Institute and an Analytics System in Lucknow.
3. Skill Development Centers: Setting up skill development centers in medical colleges across key cities.
4. Trauma Centers: Expansion of trauma centers with additional services including orthopedic and neurosurgeons.

Chief Minister’s Emphasis on Reducing Accidents

1. Statistical Concern: Highlighting the alarming annual death toll of 20,990 in the top 30 cities of UP due to road accidents.
2. Collaborative Effort: Urging the collaboration of government, administration, and the public to minimize accidents.

Additional Measures and Plans

1. Speed Breakers to be ‘Table Top’: Redesigning speed breakers as ‘table tops’ for enhanced safety.
2. Focus on Road Engineering: Addressing poor road engineering to improve safety on key roads.
3. Home Guards and PRD Jawans: Deployment for efficient traffic management.
4. Eye Tests for Drivers: Mandatory eye examinations for heavy vehicle drivers during license renewal.
5. Parking Management: Strengthening parking systems in cities to prevent illegal parking and taxi stands.
6. E-Rickshaw Route Planning: Verification and route planning for e-rickshaw drivers.

Future Road Safety Initiatives

1. Automated Driving Testing Facilities: Establishment in all districts within a year.
2. Increased Ambulances and Cranes: Deployment on expressways for improved emergency response.