Roads are not business premises: SSP Traffic Sgr

Umar Raina
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06 Jan 2026

Srinagar, Jan 06: Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Traffic City Srinagar, Ajaz Bhat on Tuesday warned car dealers and shopkeepers against using public roads for parking and business purposes, asserting that strict action against violators will continue across the city. Speaking to reporters during an enforcement drive, the SSP said roads are meant for public transport and the smooth movement of vehicles, not for running private businesses. “We will try our best to stop people from turning roads into business spaces. Action is already underway and it will continue in other areas as well,” he said. Bhat specifically cautioned car dealers and shopkeepers, particularly in the Lal Chowk area, against parking their vehicles outside their shops for the entire day. “If a shopkeeper wants to do business in Srinagar city and parks his car in front of his shop, we will lift the vehicle. Roads are not meant for them,” he said. He clarified that while short-term parking by customers is acceptable, shopkeepers cannot occupy roadside space throughout the day. “If they want to do business, they should use public transport and keep their vehicles at home,” he said. Responding to queries about the increase in traffic challans, the SSP said there has been no reduction in challan rates. “Challans will increase because traffic volume is high in Srinagar. Challans will decrease only when violations decrease,” he said. He identified roadside parking, incomplete documentation, lane indiscipline and jumping traffic signals as the main reasons behind the rising number of challans. “Until people improve their behaviour and follow traffic rules, enforcement will continue,” he said. Dismissing the argument of inadequate parking space, Bhat said many people bring vehicles to their workplaces despite having alternative parking options. “Car dealers, shopkeepers and others should avoid bringing their cars to workplaces if it leads to congestion,” he said. The SSP also clarified that the traffic police do not issue challans based on photographs taken on mobile phones and urged the media to assist in spreading awareness among the public about traffic rules and responsible road behaviour.