RAWALPINDI: The City Traffic Police are set to introduce a new control room, designated as the ‘Emergency and Ambulance Portal’, to ensure the unobstructed movement of emergency vehicles during law and order situations.

A focal point person will be assigned to manage this initiative and oversee the timely passage of ambulances and other critical services.

The decision was announced during a meeting at the City Traffic Police headquarters on Tuesday, chaired by Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Beenish Fatima. The meeting was attended by officers from emergency service 1122 as well as representatives of Edhi and private ambulance drivers. The purpose of the meeting was to ensure an uninterrupted and safe passage for ambulances and other emergency vehicles in the city.

According to a spokesman for the City Traffic Police, the new control room will be equipped with a focal person, available through a dedicated mobile and PTCL number, to ensure that emergency vehicles reached their destinations without delays. The CTO emphasised that alternative routes to major hospitals and roads would be provided to emergency vehicles to prevent disruptions.

Special measures will also be implemented to facilitate the timely movement of emergency vehicles during law and order situations. Additionally, arrangements will be made to ensure proper parking for ambulances.

CTO Beenish Fatima encouraged ambulance drivers to receive road safety training from the police driving school and the traffic police education wing to ensure adherence to safe driving practices.

Published in Dawn, September 11th, 2024