LAHORE: Chief Traffic Officer retired Capt Sohail Chauhdry, who was tasked by the Punjab government to identify growing traffic problems in Murree and develop effective traffic management plan, has identified seven major traffic issues during his visits and finalised solutions.

The CTO is going to give a presentation to a committee headed by the prime minister and chaired by PML-N MNA Hamza Shahbaz in Murrree on Wednesday (today). His findings highlight absence of directional signboards; up to 35 per cent irrelevant traffic on Murree roads (because no passage way is provided on Express Way by NHA); absence of any mechanism of checking vehicular fitness, over-speeding, rash driving, movement of heavy vehicles and massive accidents; traffic blockade due to two CNG stations; absence of weighing station on RMK Road and Express Highway; absence of parking lots; and availability of only one lifter.

For solutions, it suggests that route permits to long vehicles of more than 42 seats may not be issued. The education ministry may be requested to direct institutional heads not to acquire vehicles for trips of more than 42 seats.

Six speed cameras may be provided to the highway police for enforcement at EH, four cameras to Pindi traffic police for RMK road and three check points/cabins may be established on RMK road at three points for the issuance of token to make speed compatible with distance travelled.

Two CNG stations may be temporarily closed or be given an alternate site. Otherwise, at least filling timing be staggered from 11pm to 7am.

The NHA may be approached to make weighing station operational at 17-Miles toll plaza. Joint checking of Islamabad traffic police, CTP and RTA staff may be made regarding laden weight, vehicular fitness, route permit and driver’s ability/skill to drive in hilly areas.

Four sites are proposed for parking which only requires leveling and entry/ exit points.

Four lifters and two breakdowns worth Rs1.9 million are required to take strict action against wrong parking.

List of all the chowks/cuts that require widening/ redesigning has been prepared and handed over to the Urban Unit.

As no accommodation is available to traffic policemen, the godowns of the food department may be provided on a temporary basis for residence.

List of all the points on which CCTV cameras are required for surveillance has been prepared and duly provided to the Urban Unit.

A control center may be established at GPO or Rescue-15 & TDCP building.

Some sections of six roads-- Bank Road, Hall Road, View Forth Road, Koldanna Road, Dilkasha Road and Cecil Road -- require one way traffic movement.

The presentation also suggests installation of spike barriers to enforce one way in double layer.