Parking woes prompt action warning

Establishments on Peshawar Road directed to make parking spaces

RAWALPINDI:

The Rawalpindi district administration has issued a stern warning to educational institutes, hospitals, and commercial establishments along Peshawar Road, directing them to provide parking facilities within their premises.

In a meeting of the steering committee for urban development projects, Rawalpindi Division Commissioner Laiqat Ali Chatha addressed the prevalent issue of traffic congestion in the city, emphasising the need for a lasting solution.

The meeting, held at the Rawalpindi Commissioner's Office and attended by key stakeholders including Station Commander Brigadier Ahmad Nawaz, aimed to address concerns related to public interest projects.

Commissioner Chatha highlighted that the primary challenge faced by Rawalpindi is the persistent traffic jams, and he identified a signal-free corridor as a viable long-term solution.

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He warned that strict action would be taken against organisations failing to comply, leading to traffic congestion due to unauthorised parking on main roads.

Additionally, Commissioner Chatha instructed the Municipal Corporation and City Traffic Police to clear service roads of encroachments, ensuring smoother traffic flow.

He proposed relocating public transport stops away from key traffic points to further alleviate congestion. Moreover, he called for a briefing in the next meeting regarding parking arrangements in Topi Rakh, emphasising the immediate utilisation of available parking space and implementing a shuttle service.

Addressing the issue of parking at the race course, the commissioner instructed the traffic police to expedite necessary formalities with the station commander to facilitate parking arrangements.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 12^th, 2023.