LAHORE: The citizens witnessed traffic blockades on major roads due to continual rain in the city on Friday.

The traffic wardens were found absent at most places due to rain and there were long lines of vehicles on almost every road. The traffic remained clogged on M.M. Alam Road, Gulberg’s Main Boulevard, Canal Road, Mall Road and adjacent arteries. Some motorists were seen managing the traffic on their own.

Meanwhile, Punjab Inspector General of Police (IGP) Rao Sardar Ali Khan has directed the traffic wardens and police personnel in all districts of the province to perform their duties with utmost diligence and commitment during the ongoing spell of rains. He directed that the traffic police personnel should maintain the flow of traffic and consider it their motto to help the citizens.

IGP orders wardens to help motorists out during showers

The IGP said the officers and wardens should be present on the main highways, at intersections and busy points with umbrellas and other necessary equipment. He said that during the rainy season, the citizens should be made aware of the need for careful driving and use of fog lights in open areas to avoid accidents.

He directed that motorbikes or vehicles should not be allowed to gather at any place such as underpasses so that there would be no unnecessary pressure of traffic. He further said the wardens should be on duty during night at recreational places and provide assistance and guidance to the citizens. He said Dolphin police personnel also should provide all possible help to the citizens.

The IGP directed the district chief traffic officers to personally go out in the field and monitor the continuous flow of traffic at important places. He said the Punjab Highway Patrol personnel should improve the traffic management on main highways for convenience of citizens.

He said police and traffic teams should work together to ensure concrete measures to prevent accidents by effective coordination during rains. He also directed that additional Rawalpindi police wardens be deployed to maintain flow of traffic on the highways of Murree. He said the Murree police should use resources to guide tourists and ensure smooth flow of traffic.

Published in Dawn, January 8th, 2022