Key Takeaways
- Rickshaws equipped with meters will be the only allowed in Karachi.
- Qingqi rickshaws to be removed from major roads for improved safety.
- 164 people died in heavy vehicle accidents last year in Karachi.
The Karachi Traffic Police has announced new regulations aimed at enhancing traffic management and road safety. According to DIG Traffic Karachi, Pir Muhammad Shah, only rickshaws equipped with meters will be permitted to operate within the city limits.
Shah highlighted that Qingqi rickshaws are being targeted for removal from major roads as part of these efforts. This move is expected to streamline traffic flow and reduce congestion in key areas of Karachi.
During a press conference at the Karachi Press Club, Shah also addressed concerns regarding the e challan system, which generates automatic fines for violations. He acknowledged that some motorists have encountered issues with this system, leading to errors or disputes.
To address these challenges, the department is preparing a new policy to provide relief to affected individuals. Shah explained that while the e challans are designed to improve enforcement and reduce human error, they can sometimes lead to inaccuracies in issuing fines.
The implementation of lane markings has been instrumental in improving traffic flow according to Shah. He noted that these changes have contributed significantly to reducing accidents involving heavy vehicles on city roads. Last year, 164 people lost their lives in such incidents, underscoring the need for stricter regulations and better enforcement.
Furthermore, official data revealed that around 45,000 vehicles are still registered under previous owners' names. Shah stated that action has been taken against several individuals involved in this issue, with some cases being handed over to the police for further investigation.
The new rules are expected to bring greater transparency and accountability to the rickshaw industry while ensuring public safety on Karachi's roads. The department is working closely with stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition into these new regulations.
