The intensive efforts of the Traffic Police over the last two months to enforce traffic rules are beginning to show results. In the past two months (Falgun and Chaitra, 2061), the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police has fined 43,855 vehicle drivers for breaking traffic rules and collected Rs. 52,46,975 in revenue. This is almost 50 percent higher than the previous two months. The rate of traffic accidents has also reduced by about half during this period.

The increased activity of the traffic police has also benefited the Department of Transport Management. The police have been checking the blue books of the vehicles and sending them to the DoTM if they have not been renewed. As a result, during the last two months, the earnings of DoTM has increased by nearly seven folds says Hari Prasad Nepal, Director General of DoTM. In the month of Magh, the Department had earned only 2,64,895 from 605 vehicles. But last month (Chaitra), it earned Rs. 14,27,720 from 2,837 vehicles.

According to Senior Superintendent of Police Surendra Bahadur Pal, the large number of vehicles on limited narrow roads and lack of discipline among road users are the main cause of traffic problems in Kathmandu. The problem is especially bad during VVIP movements, rallies and political unrest.

Pal also believes that unnecessary political interference causes difficulties. "Now we are able to work without any political interference," says Pal. "Previously although most transport workers were willing to follow the rules, the leaders of the unions often politicized the issues," he added.

The Traffic Police has also started to give awareness classes to drivers and conductors. Last week, an awareness programme was organized for the drivers and conductors of Arniko Transportation Association. "We need more awareness and training programmes, but we lack adequate facilities and budget," says Pal. He said that he has contacted the National Planning Commission regarding this matter.

"We need awareness among people to follow traffic rules. For this we must work together with DoTM, Ministry of Environment, vehicle owners and NGOs; Traffic Police cannot do it alone," says Pal.