LAHORE, Feb 16: District Nazim Mian Amer Mahmood has ordered establishment of a central control room, automation of signals and a number of other steps for improving the traffic management in the provincial metropolis.

He was presiding over a meeting held here to discuss ways and means to improve the traffic management in the provincial metropolis.

The Nazim said that the control room should synchronize the operation of all the 112 traffic signals installed in the provincial metropolis in accordance with the volume of traffic on different roads.

He said that sensors should be installed in all busy crossings to reduce or increase the duration of operation of red and green signals in accordance with the traffic load.

Arrangements should also be made on the FM Radio for the guidance of the motorists about the alternative routes available for avoiding traffic jams.

Referring to the growing complaints in respect of overcharging by the parking stands contractors, he said that arrangements should be made for installation of meters on the stands for parking motorvehicles for specified time by using the Rs5 coins.

He said that steps should also be taken to check the theft of traffic signals. Stern action should be taken against those involved in thefts.

A report about the number of functioning and defective signals should be submitted to the Nazim’s office daily. He said that improvement in the traffic management was necessary for the safety of the citizens on the roads.

Lahore Development Authority’s Traffic Engineering and Transport Planning Agency (TEPA) Chief Engineer Asif Hamid Khan said that the agency had installed international standard traffic signals in the provincial metropolis.

The working of the signals had, however, become unsatisfactory due to lack of proper maintenance. He said that TEPA would arrange gradual upgradation of the traffic signals for improving the performance.

The District Nazim constituted a committee, headed by the executive district officer (revenue) to examine the offers received in respect of improvements in the traffic signals management from different companies. Executive district officers (revenue and works), TEPA and traffic police officials attended the meeting.