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RAWALPINDI, Jan 26 (APP):The Murree district and traffic police on Monday reiterated a comprehensive set of travel advisories, urging tourists and residents to restrict movement and strictly follow safety instructions as heavy snowfall, rain and the formation of black ice were forecast from Monday evening through Tuesday evening.
District Police Officer Murree, Dr Muhammad Raza Tanveer Sipra, warned that sub-zero temperatures had caused snow on roads to freeze into black ice, a transparent and highly slippery surface that severely reduces braking control and significantly increases the risk of accidents, particularly during night-time travel.
He advised the citizens and tourists to avoid travelling after dark, saying rescue operations and snow-clearing machinery faced serious difficulties due to darkness and dense fog.
Under the advisory, no vehicle would be allowed to enter Murree without snow chains, while the travellers were instructed to ensure fuel tanks are full and to check the mechanical condition of brakes, wipers, heaters and defoggers before setting out.
The drivers were directed to maintain very low speeds on snow-covered roads, keep a minimum distance of 50 metres from the vehicle ahead, and keep windows slightly open while using vehicle heaters to avoid oxygen depletion.
Parking on main roads or slopes was strictly prohibited to ensure the smooth movement of snow-clearing machinery, with the citizens advised to contact Police Helpline 15 in case of any emergency.
Meanwhile, the City Traffic Police said traffic had been fully restored on all major and link roads and remained under control, with traffic wardens deployed in the field.
Chief Traffic Officer Murree Imran Razzaq said a special traffic advisory had also been issued for the safety and convenience of tourists, advising them to obtain the latest weather and traffic updates before travelling, prioritise four-wheel-drive vehicles during the snowfall season, carry tyre chains and use them immediately in case of skidding. He further urged the citizens and tourists to exercise patience, keep warm clothing, blankets and dry food items in their vehicles, strictly observe lane discipline, avoid double lines, refrain from stopping on roads for selfies or wrong parking, and contact the Traffic Control Room helpline at 051-9269200 in case of emergency, as rain and snowfall were expected to intensify in the evening.