Unclear instructions: Rickshaw drivers protest fines

FAISALABAD: Scores of rickshaw drivers on Saturday staged a protest demonstration near Samundri police station against traffic police over “unnecessary and excessive” fines. The protesters gathered on Samundri-Gojra Road and blocked it for traffic by parking their rickshaws in the middle of the road. Talking to newsmen, Abdul Lateef, one of the protesters, said traffic wardens had been fining them unnecessarily to show that they were doing their jobs. “They told us to park our rickshaws three feet from the road. We complied with the rule. Despite obeying the instructions, traffic wardens have been fining us. The protestors chanted slogans against traffic police and demanded action against traffic wardens who they said were fining them needlessly. A police team met the protesters and assured them that their grievance would be addressed soon. The rickshaw drivers then called off their protest and dispersed. Talking to The Express Tribune, Samundri Circle traffic officer said wardens had been fining underage rickshaw drivers. “If the driver of any vehicle is found to be underage, they will be fined,” he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 1^st, 2015.