RAWALPINDI: As the City Traffic Police launched a crackdown on illegal parking and encroachments in parts of the garrison city, at least 13 vehicles, including motorcycles, were impounded for not having documents and fines imposed on drivers of at least 78 automobiles for violating traffic rules.

In Rawalpindi, parking and moving violations are a common phenomenon. Add encroachments to the mix and it becomes next to impossible for motorists and pedestrians to move around the city. In such a scenario, residents have been looking towards civic authorities and traffic police to take legal action over these violations.

A traffic police spokesperson said on Sunday that following the directives of Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Taimoor Khan, Inspector Zabihul Hasan initiated a campaign against encroachments and wrong parking and pledged to nip the problem in the bud.

Inspector Hasan along with his team conducted operations against encroachment and wrong parking on Ganjmandi Road, Iqbal Road, Bara Market, Imperial Market and surrounding areas.

The spokesperson said tickets were issued to 78 vehicles and motorcycles, while 13 were impounded due to non-availability of documents.

CTO Taimoor Khan said legal action was ongoing. Prior to this, a warning was issued to the “parking and encroachment mafia” so that in case of non-compliance, formal action would be initiated against these violations which obstruct the flow of traffic and create difficulties for other road users, he added.

CTO Khan appealed to the citizens to show responsibility and park their cars and motorcycles at designated spots to avoid trouble with the law, adding that strict and indiscriminate action would continue against traffic violations in the city.

Separately, the in charge of Traffic Cantt Circle along with his team distributed masks among citizens during the smog awareness campaign.

According to details, Ali Rafiq along with his team launched an awareness campaign regarding air pollution on various roads in the cantonment area.

CTO Taimoor Khan appreciated the initiative and urged the road users to use masks and follow instructions issued by the traffic police. He further said the Rawalpindi traffic police are committed to eradicating air pollution but for this, citizens have to play their role in individual capacities as well. He urged people tp support the traffic police for a clean environment.

Published in Dawn, January 16th, 2023