Road Safety Is Not a Revenue Report

In just 24 hours, traffic police in the Kathmandu Valley caught 2,453 people breaking traffic rules and collected 1.15 million rupees in fines. These figures show that roads in the Kathmandu Valley are becoming increasingly unsafe for both pedestrians and drivers. Offences such as drunk driving, speeding, red-light jumping, wrong-way driving, and careless parking continue to make the roads hazardous day after day. The Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office reported 105 cases of drunk driving, 238 violations related to ride-sharing regulations, and 184 instances of drivers ignoring traffic signals. In addition, there were 186 speeding cases, 319 instances of wrong-way driving, 14 cases of lane indiscipline, 119 cases of excessive honking in silent zones, and 100 cases of roadside or sidewalk parking violations. Another 1,368 cases fell under various other categories of traffic rule violations. Despite the risks, many people still treat traffic rules as optional rather than mandatory. It is commendable that traffic police are actively enforcing regulations, stopping dangerous behavior and removing potential threats from the roads, even if only temporarily.

In a city where accidents are so frequent that they barely make headlines, such enforcement is crucial not only for safety but also for saving lives. The road system is under significant strain, yet public discipline has not improved accordingly. This situation serves as a reminder that roads are a shared public space, not merely a means to reach destinations quickly. However, authorities must focus on more than just collecting fines, as traffic management is not about revenue generation. It is about encouraging responsible behavior. True success should be measured not by the number of fines issued, but by the reduction in violations over time. This is where the traffic administration needs to shift its approach. Enforcement must go hand in hand with continuous awareness efforts. Drivers need repeated reminders that speed limits are not suggestions. Awareness campaigns cannot be one-time efforts; they must become a regular part of daily life. Schools, workplaces, public transport hubs, and media outlets all have roles in reinforcing that road safety is a shared responsibility. If enforcement is the stick, awareness must be the guide that shapes long-term behavior.

There is also a social dimension to this issue. Media coverage often highlights large fine collections as a measure of success. However, focusing on revenue can create the impression that more fines indicate better performance, when in reality it reflects a high level of violations. Traffic police deserve recognition for enforcing the rules, but the discussion should not end with fine collection statistics. The real goal is safer streets, fewer accidents, and sustained behavioral change. If reporting focuses only on fines, it risks diverting attention from prevention and public education. Public cooperation is also essential. Citizens can contact hotline 103 or emergency number 100 during or after road incidents. Reporting reckless driving should be considered a basic civic responsibility. Kathmandu’s traffic challenges will not be solved by enforcement alone. Real progress will come when enforcement, awareness, and social responsibility work together. The goal should be to shift focus from how much revenue is collected in fines to how few violations occur in the future.