GUJRANWALA, Oct 4: The Punjab government has debarred the police and district administration throughout the province from impounding private transport vehicles for Oct 10 elections, it was learnt.

In a directive, the police and district administration were asked to hire vehicles with the cooperation of transporters and adda managers.

Sources said on Friday that it was decided that the district administration, RTA and district coordination officer (DCO) would make arrangements for the transportation of staff and other goods to the polling stations by hiring private transport vehicles.

The Punjab government had transferred the funds to the district administrations for the purpose.

When contacted, transporters and adda managers refused to provide vehicles for election duty.

They said that the authorities used to impound their vehicles couple of days before elections which resulted in financial losses to them besides problems to public. They said that they get nominal payment.

Sources said the inspector-general of Punjab police issued instructions to all district police offices to help the district administrations and regional transport authorities in this regard.

He warned of stern action against the police officers found involved in impounding of private transport vehicles for elections.