August 03, 2007	Friday	Rajab 18, 1428

ISLAMABAD, Aug 2: Senior Superintendent of Police (Traffic) Zubair Hashmi on Wednesday said that 40 of the total 65 deputed officers wanted to rejoin their parent departments.

The Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) chief was speaking at news conference that was arranged to announce the introduction of a new contingent of police — Capital Highways Patrols (Chips) — to guide motorists and check reckless driving.

According to Mr Hashmi, the deputation staff were favouring their return as they were

not being extended the perks and privileges committed to them.

Briefing the reporters about Chips, he said operating in pairs on motorbikes, these policemen would be deployed on eight main roads of the capital to maintain traffic discipline.

The SSP said the ITP had so far received 69 motorcycles against the actual demand of 114. “For more effective patrolling, the government has been requested to provide the remaining bikes at the earliest,” he added.

Mr Hashmi said a mechanism had been devised for checking traffic violations through stationary cameras operated from the traffic police control room and those installed in ITP patrol cars.

The SSP said motorists performing stunts on road not only put their life in danger but also that of the others. Several complaints have been received about youth doing wheelie, he added.

He said speed limits in Islamabad were also being revised in consultation with the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration.

The ITP chief hoped for positive result regarding this issue after strict implementation of law.

He dispelled the impression that traffic policemen were drawn from various zones in case of any VIP movement and said: “There is separate strength for this purpose and no cop is drawn from any zone.”

Regarding welfare of ITP personnel, he said their insurance cover was being arranged, while the children of traffic policemen would get admission to the schools of Bahria Foundation on reduced fee.

SSP Hashmi said the ITP had decided to shift its offices from 9th avenue and selected a site near Faizabad on Murree Road. The CDA has principally agreed to allot the land to the ITP, he said, adding that after approval in black and white the construction work would start there.