Motor Vehicles Department Ladakh and ARTO Kargil organized a road safety awareness program for taxi drivers on February 11.

ARTO Kargil, Khadim Hussain, representatives of taxi, van unions and taxi drivers were present on the occasion.

Khadim Hussain said the purpose of the awareness programme was to enlighten the taxi drivers about road safety  measures as they are a major stakeholder of road traffic.

While underlining the importance of the etiquettes of responsible driving to avoid accidents, he also spoke about the importance of Motor Vehicles Act for drivers and requested them to abide by the road safety regulations.  He stressed to abstain from drowsy driving during long journeys.

He further added that there have been instances of complaints regarding extra fares being charged and SOP violations during the COVID-19 pandemic, which should be looked into by the taxi unions to bring relief to the general public.

The representatives of the transport unions and the drivers also shared their grievances and issues which mainly included the reconsideration in rate lists, installation of traffic sign boards in the markets and other related issues.