IGP Dan Bahadur Karki Urges Drivers to Avoid Traffic Violations Amidst Fine Hike Criticism

Kathmandu. Criticism is being leveled against the move to increase fines for traffic violations. While a bill to increase fines is being drafted, IGP Dan Bahadur Karki has urged drivers to drive in a way that they do not get caught in traffic action. Speaking at the 14th anniversary ceremony of Metro Traffic FM on Friday, IGP Karki said, "I wish that fines are not imposed, that traffic tickets are not written." However, he stated that there is a compulsion to issue fines when found driving under the influence of alcohol and without helmets. He wished for good sense to prevail for drivers who have been penalized up to five times for driving cars and motorcycles. Stating that a safe society cannot be built through law enforcement alone, IGP Karki said that effective public awareness and active citizen participation are necessary to build a safe society. Karki said that traffic education should be imparted from the school level. He said, "It would be good if there was traffic education from the school level." Karki said that even those pursuing higher education do not understand the need to follow traffic rules. He said, "Police should not find degree holders violating the rules." Karki expressed concern that if parents violate the rules, children will learn from them. He said, "There is a concern that if we violate the rules, children will learn." Karki said that good behavior starts from home and the workplace. Metro Traffic FM, established in 2069 BS, has completed 14 years of its establishment. The FM's anniversary celebration was held on Friday at the Nepal Police Club in Bhrikutimandap in the presence of guests including IGP Karki, AIGs of police, Mahanayak Rajesh Hamal, and comedian Madan Krishna Shrestha.