RAWALPINDI: The City Traffic Police (CTP) has emphasised the importance of adhering to traffic regulations for tourists visiting Murree, a popular hill station.
A spokesperson for the CTP announced the department had made all necessary arrangements to ensure the safety of visitors during the summer season.
Rawalpindi City Traffic Officer (CTO) Taimoor Khan has specifically requested tourists to abide by traffic rules in Murree to avoid traffic congestion and untoward incidents.
Special teams have been established to assist tourists and address any issues they may encounter. It is prohibited to park vehicles outside designated parking areas, and illegal parking on roads, especially at exit and entry points, is strictly banned.
Cooking at the roadside is also restricted, he added.
The spokesperson further informed that single and double parking is not permitted on roads, except at designated parking places. Motorcyclists without safety helmets are not allowed entry into Murree.
To facilitate motorists, certain roads have been designated as one-way, including Bank Road, GPO Chowk to Kashmir Point, Hall Road, Lalazar to Kashmir Point, View Fourth Road, View Fourth Road to GPO Chowk, Guldana Road, GPO Chowk to Guldana Chowk, Dilkusha Road, Imtiaz Shaheed Road to Lari Adda via Dilkusha Hotel, Cecil Road, and Imtiaz Shaheed Road to Cart Road via Cecil Apartments.
The district administration has set up a main control room at Jinnah Hall to monitor the provision of facilities for tourists. Cooperation with traffic police is strongly encouraged to prevent traffic congestion. Motorists are advised to avoid incorrect parking, allowing for a smooth flow of traffic.
Due to Murree’s pleasant summer climate, it attracts a large number of tourists, resulting in significant traffic congestion. The district administration spokesperson cautioned motorists to refrain from wrong parking, speeding, and taking selfies in the middle of the roads.
The spokesperson also assured tourists of foolproof security measures in place throughout Murree. All security and traffic arrangements have been finalized to ensure a pleasant experience for tourists during the summer season.
ACTION AGAINST ILLEGAL CONSTRUCTION
Separately, Punjab Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman instructed the administration to intensify efforts against illegal construction in Murree.
During a meeting focused on illegal constructions, traffic issues, and renovation projects, Zaman directed the authorities to take strict action against violations of building by-laws and encroachments.
The meeting was attended by Rawalpindi commissioner Liaquat Ali Chatha, deputy commissioner Hasan Waqar Cheema, Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) director general Ahmed Hasan Ranjha, Murree additional deputy commissioner (revenue) Qasim Ijaz, and assistant commissioner Kamran Hussain.
Cheema provided a detailed briefing on various projects.
Emphasizing the need for action, Zaman said that commercial buildings in Murree should be audited, and strict measures should be taken against violations of approved building plans.
Immediate sealing of commercial buildings without parking on the roadside was also advised.
He further directed the completion of patchwork on roads in Murree as soon as possible. He also urged the authorities to ensure that all roadside buildings are painted to enhance the area’s aesthetics.
He emphasized the importance of developing a comprehensive renovation plan to enhance the beauty of Murree, assuring the provision of necessary funds to expedite the project.
The chief secretary instructed the administration to expand the Monsoon afforestation campaign and adorn Murree with flowers and ornamental plants. He also stressed the need for enhanced cleanliness in Murree, emphasizing proper garbage removal and disposal systems to maintain the beauty of tourist points.
Chatha, the commissioner, highlighted that all relevant departments are actively working together to restore the natural beauty of Murree. PHA has made special arrangements for roadside flower growth during the monsoon, as shared by Chatha.
The deputy commissioner confirmed the implementation of a zero-tolerance policy against illegal constructions in Murree. Additionally, he mentioned the formulation of a comprehensive traffic control system and the implementation of measures to regulate traffic and minimize congestion.
