Traffic police has launched a crackdown against randomly parked pushcarts on busy thoroughfares causing severe traffic jams, however, officials admit they lack the authority to impose fines, leading them to only issue daily warnings to clear the city’s main thoroughfares.
The campaign was initiated on Monday to tackle the growing encroachments and to reduce the daily traffic jams caused by haphazardly parked pushcarts and stalls on busy thoroughfares.
The operation, led by Traffic Sergeant Haider Ali, targeted vendors in several key areas including Rewachand Garden, Ashrafi Road, Paras Music Center, Post Office Chowk, and Market Chowk. During the action, traffic personnel instructed stall owners to remove their pushcarts from the main roads.
Speaking to the media, Sergeant Ali clarified the limits of the police action, stating, “The traffic police do not have the authority to impose fines (challans) against the vendors.” He explained that the current phase of the operation is a warning, due to the severe impact of the stalls on traffic flow and the difficulties faced by citizens in commuting.
The traffic sergeant attributed this persistent problem to administrative failure, stating that the “stall mafia” is thriving because the city has not provided the vendors with an alternative, designated space to conduct their business.
Sergeant Ali affirmed that these actions against haphazardly set up stalls will continue on a daily basis for the convenience of the public and to improve the urban traffic system.