Crackdown begins against illegal car parks, bus stands

RTA starts operation after directives from K-P government

PESHAWAR: After directives from the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government, the Regional Transport Authority (RTA) and police started a crackdown on Saturday against illegal car park owners and bus stands on Dalazak, GT and University roads.

RTA Secretary Naimatullah Khan told The Express Tribune that several notices were issued to offenders, instructing them to dismantle their illegal car parks and bus stands.

“Around 30 owners have been arrested by the police,” Naimatullah said. “The anti-encroachment drive would also be extended to other parts of the province.”

He added some prominent transport companies’ offices had already been sealed as they refused to obey government orders.

At first, he avoided sharing the names of these companies but later revealed them.

According to Naimatullah, a transport company had established a shuttle service on University Road without the government’s permission.

He added that another had started transport services to other districts while its application for a no-objection certificate was still pending.

“Due to their influence, it used to be impossible to take action against illegal transporters,” he added.

Naimatullah said a high-level meeting was held last week at the Civil Secretariat.

He said the chief secretary had instructed the RTA to take immediate action against illegal establishments.

During the meeting, it was revealed that the provincial government was losing millions on an annual basis due to these illegal business activities. As a result, actions was taken against them on Saturday. Naimatullah said the government would continue to take measures against owners of illegal car parks and bus stands.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 17^th, 2015.