KARACHI, Sept 5: Sindh minister for transport Adil Siddiqi expressing anger over growing traffic accidents, ordered strict enforcement of traffic laws. and said that more deaths were taking place in traffic accidents.
Presiding over a meeting with a transporters group and attended by higher officials, the minister asked the transporters to provide secure, comfortable and quality commuting facilities to people and ensure fitness of their vehicles as per specified standards.
The minister once again gave two month time-frame to them to remove shining strips from their buses and mini-buses, stop cassette playing and implement the decision for separate ladies compartment and warned that strict action will be taken on the expiry of given time.
Adil Siddiqi questioned the efficacy of use of use of shining strips by public transport vehicles and said these not only make the eyes to blink, but also are sheer violation of law.
The transporters unanimously announced to remove the shining strips voluntarily.
On the occasion, the minister approved nomination of two representatives of transporters on the Traffic Management Board.
It was decided that the decision of the Sindh High Court regarding smoke emitting vehicles would be fully implemented.
The meeting noted that powers of traffic police for imposition of fine cannot be withdrawn under SLGO 2001 and also the magistracy system could not be revived. However, it was informed that a case has been sent to law department for establishment of five special traffic courts.
The meeting was informed that decision for privatising fitness certification of vehicles would be taken in the public interest.
Adil Siddiqi assured the transporters that compensation for burnt vehicles and for those acquired for official duties would be paid within a week.
The meeting was informed that Motorway Police jurisdiction is up to Toll Plaza. However, after establishment of Sabzimundi on Super highway, their operational scope has been extended on the demand of traders and transporters.
It was informed that world over load rate is fixed for various types of cargo vehicles and, therefore, here as well over-loading cannot be allowed as per highway code to ensure safe journey.
It was informed that formula for purchase of new CNG buses has been determined by the federal government for which Rs 5 billion have been allocated.
In order to resolve the issue of oil-tankers, the minister directed that a meeting of National Highway Authority, oil companies and the city government be immediately held.
Those present in the meeting included a 12-member delegation of office- bearers of various transport organizations, led by Shahi Syed, the transport secretary, special secretary Home, DIG traffic, secretary provincial transport authority, EDO transport, SP National Highway Police and other senior officials.
The meeting was held in the light of the transporters’ meeting with Sindh Governor sometime back.—APP/PPI