Murree visitors urged to follow traffic rules

Directives issued to avoid traffic congestion and untoward incidents

RAWALPINDI:

Rawalpindi Commissioner Liaquat Ali Chatta has urged tourists visiting Murree to strictly abide by traffic rules to avoid traffic congestion and untoward incidents.

According to a spokesperson for the Commissioner's Office, a recent visit by the commissioner on Sunday night involved a comprehensive assessment of the traffic conditions in Murree. During this visit, the commissioner personally inspected several roads to gauge the volume of traffic. Furthermore, he issued directives to the authorities concerned in order to effectively regulate the flow of traffic.

Traffic conditions were reported as usual along Jhika Gali, Lower Topa, and Guldana Road. However, congestion was notably high at GPO Chowk and Kashmir Point due to Independence Day celebrations. The commissioner received updates on the implementation of diversions at Toll Plaza and Satra Meel, effectively redirecting traffic to alternative routes. Moreover, given the substantial presence of over 14,000 vehicles in Murree, the entry of additional vehicles was temporarily halted on Sunday night.

Traffic police and administration were working hard to control heavy traffic load, he added. The spokesperson further said that a comprehensive security and traffic plan had been devised by Rawalpindi District Police for Independence Day that included the deployment of more than 800 personnel during the night of August 13 and 14. Moreover, several checkpoints were established to control one-wheeling in Murree.

In anticipation of Independence Day celebrations, the district and traffic police were implementing a special security and traffic plan in Murree. The primary goal was to enhance the convenience of tourists visiting the hill station for the festivities. The commissioner further explained that potential restrictions on vehicle entry in Murree would be contingent upon the prevailing crowd size and parking availability.

Dedicated police teams were assembled to deter one-wheeling and uphold traffic discipline within Murree the spokesman said adding that special arrangements are in place in Murree along with the establishment of special pickets at all entrances of the hill station to prevent one-wheeling and implement the orders of the district administration.

Rawalpindi Chief Traffic Officer Taimoor Khan had directed the authorities concerned to take strict action against one-wheelers and warned that no negligence would be tolerated in this regard. He said on the occasion of Independence Day, no one would be allowed to take the law into their hands similarly hooliganism and road blocking would not be tolerated under any circumstances.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, August 15^th, 2023.