Traffic mess triggers ban on rickshaws in Sialkot

SIALKOT: The municipal authorities in Sialkot have decided to ban motorcycle-rickshaws in the city in a bid to tackle frequent gridlocks triggering traffic jams on daily basis.

City mayor Chaudhry Tauheed Akhtar told the media persons about the decision and said the municipal corporation took the measure after discussing possible solutions of eradicating traffic mess with senior traffic police officers.

According to some reports, the city administration has decided to ban all kinds of rickshaws plying on the roads.

He was of the view that rickshaws were the main cause of growing traffic mess and clogging of almost all the roundabouts, main roads and industrial and commercial areas. He also pointed out that more than 70pc motorcycle-rickshaws were being driven by the underage riders.

“The municipal corporation would soon announce a deadline for the motorcycle-rickshaws and after which they would not be allowed to ply on the city road,” Mr Akhtar added.

On the other hand, the motorcycle-rickshaws drivers have expressed grave concern over the decision taken by municipal authorities. They threatened to approach court if the city administration imposed any such ban.