Traffic management: ‘Low esteem affects traffic wardens’ performance’

Psychologist favours better service structure to boost their morale

LAHORE:

Harsh environment, high expectations from their profession, lack of respect and low credibility of police force in the country are major problems faced by traffic wardens in Lahore, Muhammad Tahir, a Dubai-based psychologist, said on Tuesday.

He was speaking to The Express Tribune about the psychological training session that the Chief Traffic Officer’s Office has organised for traffic wardens. Tahir, who volunteered for the session, provided counselling to nearly 150 traffic wardens.

He said the session was primarily a stress-reduction workshop suggesting solutions to problems faced by the wardens. “A questionnaire was given to them through which I tried to identify the causes of stress among them. I gave advice on the basis of my findings.” He said the wardens had spoken about issues preventing them from effectively performing their duties.

The survey report is yet to be handed over to the traffic police.

“Stress is a result of problems faced in almost every profession,” Tahir said. He said a majority of traffic wardens he spoke to faced mental health problems due to the nature of their profession and working conditions.

The psychologist said the lack of [an effective] service structure had lowered the morale of traffic wardens. “Rewarding them with certificates and cash prizes motivates them for some time. Promoting officers for good work can be a permanent force of motivation,” he said.

Tahir said police had lost credibility in Pakistan because criminals frequently went unpunished. “Therefore, the citizens don’t respect traffic wardens seriously. That causes stress and anxiety among them,” said the psychologist.

“Law enforcers in western countries effectively deterred criminals. This is why citizens there respect them and do not hector them,” Tahir said.

“Interfering in professional services [of government employees] is a big problem in Pakistan. People here often argue and threaten traffic wardens when they fine them for violating rules,” he said.

Tahir said he had advised traffic police officials to avoid favouring those violating laws. “This will help enhance credibility of traffic police,” he said.

He said the lack of communications among traffic officials also affected their performance.

“Traffic wardens and their seniors have been advised to promote the culture of listening to each other,” he said.

CTO Tayyab Hafeez Cheema said in a statement that such sessions would help build confidence of traffic wardens. “It will help restore their integrity.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 31^st, 2015.