Mirpur citizens forum proposes comprehensive measures to improve city traffic management

MIRPUR, Nov 4 (APP):Mirpur Citizens Forum has proposed a comprehensive package of short- and long-term measures to improve traffic management, enhance road safety and ensure smooth traffic flow in the city.  The recommendations were submitted to the newly appointed Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Head of AJK Traffic Police, with the hope that the proposed measures would help address persistent traffic-related challenges, the local correspondent of APP reported this from Mirpur on Wednesday.

According to the details, in its recommendations, the Forum emphasised that effective traffic management required a coordinated strategy based on three fundamental principles: Engineering, Education and Enforcement. It called for a professional survey of the city’s roads and traffic infrastructure to identify shortcomings in road design, lane markings, traffic signs, pedestrian crossings and signals. It also stressed the need for regular public awareness campaigns and the introduction of traffic education from primary to university level.

Acknowledging the dedication of traffic police personnel, the Forum called for strengthening the department’s operational capacity and restoring its professional commitment.

Among the immediate measures, the Forum proposed removing encroachments from parking areas and footpaths, effective patrolling on Hall Road, strict enforcement of one-way traffic rules and action against underage driving, overspeeding, one-wheeling and illegal racing. It also recommended compulsory helmet use, motorcycle side-view mirrors, proper vehicle lighting, action against unregistered vehicles and unauthorised flashing lights, and enforcement of traffic rules on government vehicles. Other proposals included regulating rent-a-car and rent-a-bike businesses, approving driving schools after proper assessment, increasing trained traffic personnel, deploying motorcycle patrols, removing construction materials obstructing roads and reviewing unnecessary U-turns on Allama Iqbal Road.

The Forum also called for reactivating CCTV surveillance under the Safe City Project, checking overloading in public transport, regulating tinted windows and developing dedicated traffic plans for educational institutions, including staggered opening and closing times.

For long-term improvements, the Forum recommended identifying suitable sites for multi-storey parking plazas and making adequate parking facilities mandatory for new commercial buildings. It also called for improved traffic arrangements around Mian Muhammad Road in view of the ongoing construction of the DC Garden parking facility, introducing a one-way system on roads surrounding Chowk Shaheedan and reviewing existing traffic laws to introduce necessary amendments.

 In his communication to the SSP, Forum President Mir Khalid Mahmood said professional traffic engineering, public awareness and strict enforcement were essential for sustainable improvements. The Forum expressed hope that its proposals would be incorporated into the new traffic management strategy for Mirpur, a busy lakeside city situated on the periphery of Mangla Dam, the country’s second-largest water reservoir.