Srinagar, Sep 30: Jammu and Kashmir Transport Commissioner Vishesh Paul Mahajan has called on people to follow traffic regulations, wear helmets and seat belts and avoid mobile phone use while driving, stressing that public cooperation is crucial for improving road safety.

Speaking to reporters, Mahajan said enforcement measures alone could not bring sustained improvement unless road users also changed their behaviour and followed traffic rules.

He said District Magistrates had been directed to ask petrol pump operators not to provide fuel to motorists found riding without helmets, driving without seat belts or using mobile phones while driving.

Mahajan stressed that road safety depended largely on responsible conduct by the public and urged motorists to avoid violations.

He also highlighted the role of parents in developing traffic discipline among young people, saying they could help children and young road users understand the importance of safe driving practices.

On vehicle fitness, the Transport Commissioner said vehicles more than 25 years old would be seized and would not be permitted to operate on roads. He added that vehicles must fulfil the prescribed fitness standards before being allowed to ply.

Mahajan said improving the traffic system required a combination of enforcement and public responsibility, urging road users across Jammu and Kashmir to cooperate with the authorities to reduce violations and improve road safety.