Murree snowfall: CTP issues traffic advisory for Murree visitors

Two-way traffic blocked on specific roads to avoid congestion

RAWALPINDI: Following snowfall in the Murree and surrounding areas, the Rawalpindi City Traffic Police (CTP) has issued an advisory for visitors heading to the hill station on the special traffic arrangements made.

A CTP spokesperson said they had made special traffic arrangements and devised a comprehensive plan to facilitate tourists heading to Murree to enjoy snowfall.

In this regard, he said that they have deployed senior traffic officers of the CTP to monitor traffic arrangements in the hill station to ensure smooth and safe traffic flow during the snowfall. A dedicated, emergency helpline 051-9269200, has also been introduced for tourists which citizens can call around the clock.

He further said that the helpline will also serve as a control room from where all possible facilities would be organised for tourists and that they were making efforts to cope with any untoward situation.

The CTP official further said that they have increased the number of traffic wardens, junior traffic wardens — under the supervision of inspectors — which had been deployed at all key points of the hill station.

Moreover, they have designated several points for car parking. A number of main roads including Kashmir Point, Mall Road, Guldana Road and other roads had been closed for two-way traffic to ease traffic flow.

He urged tourists to cooperate with traffic police so that the traffic mess, particularly during snowfall, can be avoided.

He said though the snow blanket made the "Queen of Mountains" even more beautiful, which attracted a large number of tourists, motorists face severe traffic congestion. Moreover, as the roads get wet and slippery, the traffic moves ever slower. In this regard, he advised visitors to ensure there is low air pressure in their tyres and to keep their fuel tank full. Moreover, he advised them to ensure a functioning and fully charged car batteries so that their vehicles are mechanically fit for the extreme environment.

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