Why Has the Traffic Police’s Collection of Over 15 Million Rupees in 10 Days Raised Questions?
Image Source, Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office
As debates continue over the proposed bill suggesting fines of up to 100,000 rupees for traffic violations, the traffic police announced on Monday that they had collected over 2.2 million rupees in fines in the Kathmandu Valley alone on that day.
On Tuesday, the traffic police released photos showing vehicles illegally parked inside Singha Durbar being wheel-locked and the drivers penalized.
According to the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office, over the past 10 days alone, total fines exceeding 14.7 million rupees have been collected for traffic violations in the Kathmandu Valley.
Records show that in the last week of Chaitra, the valley collected a maximum of 1.3 million rupees in fines. However, since Baisakh, the monthly collections have been around 10 million rupees.
Office spokesperson Nareshraj Subedi suggested that the increase in fines and enforcement actions might be linked to the authorities launching campaigns aimed at reducing road accidents.
“Recently, following directives from the Home Minister and Police Inspector General to extend awareness programs to communities, citizens, and households, a widespread campaign has been underway since Asar 1,” said Subedi.
“Alongside awareness, violators have also been penalized.”
‘Police Should Not Be Granted the Authority to Impose Fines’
Image Source, Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office
Sharad Chandra Paudel, former secretary of the Public Transport Reform Task Force established four years ago, stated that focusing primarily on fines could increase public dissatisfaction and resentment, urging state entities to be mindful of this.
“It has been observed that leadership has repeatedly attempted to influence government officials by showing higher fines. Some encourage this, while others discourage it,” Paudel said.
Umesh Raj Joshi, former Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Nepal Police who also served as head of Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police, refuted claims that police operate to generate revenue from fines.
“That is not true; it is a misconception and should not happen. The law itself must be strengthened,” he emphasized.
Experts have highlighted that in many countries, traffic violations are not classified as criminal offenses.
Former Director General of the Department of Transport, Paudel, also stated that police should not be granted authority to impose large fines.
“In many countries, police do not have the right to impose penalties; cases must be brought before courts or appropriate authorities,” he said.
“A police officer is an armed individual, and citizens often cannot speak up or contest when fined. Once penalized, it’s final.”
Image Source, Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office
“Even if they ask for greater authority, fines and penalties can only be imposed by judges or proper officials,” he emphasized.
“If the law grants such powers to the police, there must also be clear guidelines on implementation, supervision, and disciplinary measures.”
“If citizens are forced to pay fines, who compensates when the state causes damage?” Shahi questioned.
He questioned the state’s unwillingness to take responsibility for accidents resulting from poor road conditions.
‘No Obstruction Until Fines Are Paid’
Image Source, Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office
According to former DIG Joshi, although the police do not operate to generate revenue, drivers create obstacles if they do not pay fines.
“The traffic department’s job is not revenue collection. Penalties should be imposed on offenders. It is important not only to collect fines but also to raise public awareness,” Joshi said.
“In reality, people do not stop at red signals unless a traffic officer is present first. This reflects our truth,” he explained.
However, he noted that public awareness of traffic rules has increased compared to earlier times.
The Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police report that daily approximately 100 drivers are penalized for running red lights, with similar numbers being penalized for parking on sidewalks.
Subedi remarked that drivers who speed, use mobile phones while driving, or overload their vehicles are also subject to penalties.
Joshi gave the example of public smoking, noting that after imposing fines, people reduced indiscriminate cigarette consumption, highlighting that fines should serve as messages to encourage compliance.
“Strictness towards offenders is necessary, but it should not be treated as a final criminal act,” he said.
Increasing Number of Complaints via Social Media
Image Source, Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office
Traffic police have been sharing videos on social media of crackdowns on motorists performing stunts on the roads.
Many have praised this approach in the police’s social media posts.
Subedi shared that since videos featuring offenders accepting fault following complaints on social media postings have been uploaded, the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office receives 15 to 20 complaints daily.
“With citizens and police collaborating in investigations and enforcement, people have started feeling that surveillance exists even where police are not physically present,” Subedi said.
At many locations, police monitor traffic violations using CCTV and take action accordingly.
Following complaints about traffic police conducting surprise crackdowns, inspectors have begun placing notice boards informing about checks, making enforcement more organized.
Former AIG Joshi also emphasized the need to focus on infrastructure alongside discipline and regulations.
“Traffic must pay attention to road facilities as well,” Joshi added.
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