Heavy traffic jams: Citizens distressed over lane violations

ISLAMABAD: Lane violations on Islamabad expressway have become a growing threat to road users while the persistent traffic jams at the end of this main artery are another problem for hapless motorists especially during peak hours. Land dividers have been placed on the five-lane expressway to mark the two left lanes for public service vehicles and heavy vehicles while the other three lanes are for car drivers. The purpose of this lane division is to avoid accidents and ensure smooth flow of traffic but this lane marking is exploited by motorists and drivers of public service vehicles. Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP), has intentionally turned a blind eye to this mounting threat, citizens and commuters say. The passenger-hungry van drivers also criss-cross between the lanes to earn more profit while truck drivers also violate and jump from one lane to another lane.  

Published in The Express Tribune, September 11^th, 2018.