LAHORE: The Traffic Engineering and Transport Planning Agency (Tepa) is set to instal pelican signals at zebra crossings with a view to facilitating the pedestrians in crossing roads at various locations in phases.

The pelican signals would first be installed along with some remodeling works at Faisal Chowk and The Mall, according to an official source in Tepa.

“The design work related to Faisal Chowk on The Mall has been completed. And soon the Tepa officials concerned would start installing pelican signals besides placing reflecting board inscribed with various traffic diversions, name of intersection, directions etc,” the official told “Moreover, other works related to lane marking, painting curve stones etc, would also be carried out,” he added.

According to him, the pelican signals, worldwide, are generally designed to facilitate the pedestrians in crossing roads whenever they want. By pushing button, the pelican signals become red for the traffic and green for the pedestrians to cross the road safely.

“In Lahore, the installation of pelican signals is a need of the hour keeping in view the problems faced by the pedestrians while crossing roads at several intersections. The pedestrians, off and on, meet with accidents at zebra crossings due to weak enforcement of traffic laws,” the official said.

On the other hand, LDA Director General Tahir Farooq presided over a meeting held here at the head office of Tepa on Saturday.

During the meeting, Tepa Chief Engineer Iqrar Hussain Qureshi briefed the DG about the plan to instal pelican signals.

“After Faisal Chowk, other intersections should also be upgraded with a focus to ease road crossing by pedestrians and motorists,” said Mr Farooq while speaking on the occasion.

He directed the Tepa officers to also improve signage work at various roads, including The Mall, Jail Road, Ferozepur Road, Canal Road and Multan Road.

“Tepa officers should also accelerate its drive against installation / hanging of signboards at the places not designated for,” he said.

When contacted, Tepa Chief Engineer Iqrar Hussain told Dawn that the Faisal Chowk on The Mall would be completely revamped with provision of modern signalling system, signage etc. After completing and observing its impact, we will start modernising other intersections one by one,” he added.

Published in Dawn, September 8th, 2024