LAHORE, April 27: Newly-recruited traffic wardens say that they have observed that motorist violate signals and lines and lanes, ignore the use of seat belts and use cell phones while driving.

Traffic wardens, detailed to observe the traffic flow on city roads as part of their seven-day training, will assume their jobs from May 1.

A traffic warden at the Cavalry Ground Chowk said they were observing traffic flow and violation of traffic rules and guiding motorists to abide by traffic rules to avoid traffic congestion.

He said a large number of motorists ignored line and lane restrictions, traffic signals and talked a lot on their cell phones while driving.

Another warden standing near Fortress Stadium Chowk said they would guide the motorists about traffic rules and would not issue them fine tickets in case of violation until May 15.

A newly-appointed traffic warden, Ghulab Singh Shaheen, who attracted media and motorists’ attraction, complained that public buses lead in violation of stop line at signals. He said public transport seemed in a race every time perhaps in a bid to grab more commuters from next stops.

“A majority of vehicles stop right at zebra crossings meant for pedestrians,” he says, adding that most of the motorcyclists do not use helmet to avoid head injuries in case of any mishap.

Mr Shaheen says commuters and motorists have taken traffic wardens a surprise. “They mistakenly think that policemen have been deployed to regulate traffic.”

Over a 100 women wardens have also been installed at intersections on The Mall. Dawn saw some of them standing along The Mall on Friday. They only watched passing-by motors just standing along the road and unlike their male counterparts were not practically playing any role in regulating traffic. They seemed in a state of bewilderment and lacked the guts to deal with motorists.

They also declined to talk to Dawn, saying senior officials had not allowed them to give their personal opinion on any matter.