Oil Companies, Petrol Pump Operators Join Hands with Jammu Administration for Road Safety

ADC
ADC

APRIL 13: In a significant move to strengthen road safety measures and minimise traffic violations, Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Ansuya Jamwal convened a meeting today with members of the Petrol Pumps Association (Owners), along with divisional heads of major oil companies including Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL).

The meeting was also attended by Regional Transport Officer (RTO) Jammu, Jasmeet Singh, and other concerned officials. The session was organised in line with the recommendations made by District Magistrate and Chairman of the Regional Transport Authority (RTA), Sachin Kumar Vaishya, during a recent RTA meeting.

The primary focus of the meeting was to enhance the role of petrol pump operators in enforcing key provisions under the Motor Vehicles Act and in promoting responsible driving behaviour. Recognising the high footfall at fuel stations, the administration emphasised the strategic position of petrol pumps in promoting road safety awareness and compliance.

ADC Ansuya Jamwal highlighted the importance of cooperation from all stakeholders in achieving safer roads and minimising the risk of accidents. She directed petrol pump operators to refuel only those motorists who are adhering to safety norms—specifically, wearing helmets in case of two-wheelers and seat belts in case of four-wheelers.

Additionally, the petrol pump owners were instructed to take steps to prevent vehicular congestion both within their premises and on adjoining roads. They were advised to deploy adequate staff for managing the flow of vehicles, ensuring smooth and safe movement, especially during peak hours.

A key directive from the meeting was the mandatory installation of CCTV surveillance systems at all petrol pumps. These systems must be capable of storing video feeds for an extended period and will be subject to periodic inspections by authorised officials of the district administration. The surveillance will aid enforcement teams in identifying traffic violators and maintaining a record of incidents, if any.

Petrol pump owners were also advised to prominently display safety advisories and ensure that their premises are not misused for unauthorised parking or for boarding and deboarding passengers, which often results in unnecessary congestion.

A brief window has been granted for full compliance with the measures discussed. The district administration expects full implementation in the coming days, reinforcing its commitment to road safety and public welfare.