Regulating Traffic In Faisalabad
In Pakistan presently urban to rural population ratio is 30-70 and by the year 2050 it is likely to be 70-30. This means that 70 percent people would live in cities rather they would come to cities for work/business and may return to towns/villages for the night. Many factors like prosperity of people and easy vehicle financing, has made vehicles available to large number of people. Thus burden on roads has increased many fold. Intelligent transport system with evaluation of the present and future needs of the towns has to made. All concerned government departments need to pay particular attention to this aspect.

What is required to be done is improve the infrastructure i.e. road be broadened, flyover and underpasses be made, interchanges need be made where necessary. Pot holes other repair works on broken roads must be done efficiently. In addition to this, road marking and zebra crossing be properly marked. Traffic signals must be in proper working order and parking plazas be built near shopping centres. Parking bays for public transport wagons and buses, foot paths for pedestrians are essential.

What local traffic wardens need to do is:
(a) Do not allow double lane parking on roads, as it reduces the space for traffic flow.
(b) No blocking of foot paths as it hinders the movement of pedestrians.
(c) All drivers must be fully qualified, holding valid driving licences and vehicle must be roadworthy.
(d) Supervise the flow of traffic at important squares as people tend to violate traffic rules.
(e) General public and drivers of all type of transport be guided and trained to observe traffic rules.
(f) Do not tolerate underage drivers, who are often without driving licences.
(g) Lane and line discipline must be observed on the roads.
(h) Even the cyclist violating one way rule be stopped and guided accordingly.

At the end I would say that, where there is a will there is a way. I am praise worthy of the traffic wardens who are busy day and night to keep the flow of traffic in the city.

(By Major Shahnawaz-ul-Hassan)