I HAVE a few suggestions for the officials managing traffic in Lahore.

Although timers are being installed at intersections, the pace of installation is very slow. With the presence of cameras at almost all important intersections, as part of the safe city project, it has become all the more necessary that wherever cameras have been installed, timers should also be affixed, otherwise the chances of traffic violations would remain high.

The traffic wardens’ concept was introduced in Punjab several years ago in Lahore. At the time women traffic wardens also were also posted to monitor busy thoroughfares. This made children and females feel safe. However, with time female traffic wardens have disappeared.

These days I see male traffic wardens standing in groups at intersections and either gossiping or issuing tickets to traffic rules violators. None of them is seen controlling traffic on motorcycles. A sizable number of traffic wardens should be on motorcycles to better control traffic.

The roundabouts particularly the ones with heavy traffic, require the traffic officials’ attention particularly in the area close to the airport.

At present these roundabouts are unmanned and hence pose serious threat to citizens’ lives.

The traffic police should ensure sure that wardens are posted at all important roundabouts, particularly the one near the airport road. From this roundabout, four important thoroughfares lead off. One road goes to Saddar, another towards the new garrison, the third artery goes toward Burki while the fourth one goes towards Bhatta Chowk. Then there are three smaller lanes leading towards Phase 8 of DHA on the roundabouts’ left.

I ask Lahore traffic authorities to look into these suggestions.

Rashid Iqbal Ch, Lahore

Published in Dawn, February 1st, 2020