Back to basics: Equine carriages save the day

Police say that they can fine people traveling in cars and other vehicles, not those on carriages

LAHORE: Locals rediscover lost heritage amidst the coronavirus prevention lockdown in the provincial capital. With the ban imposed on pillion riding on motorcycles and other means of transport like buses, wagons and Qingqi people are hiring horse carriages to travel inside the city.

The citizens had adopted modern means of transport over the years, ignoring the ages-old equine driven carriages. Now that there is a ban imposed on modern vehicles, people are utilizing services of horse stagecoaches and carts.

Since travelling is essential for some individuals employed in critical services or for those who need immediate assistance, horse driven carriages are providing the necessary transport.

Persons associated with the business are happy that their income has improved.

A traffic police official stated that they can fine people traveling on motorcycles, cars and other vehicles but they cannot impose a penalty on those traveling on horse carriages as there is no law inhibiting it.

“We do stop them, but let them go by instructing them not to ride again,” he added.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 28^th, 2020.