Rawalpindi:The Regional Transport Authority (RTA) has confiscated over 150 Private Service Vehicles (PSVs) of local and long routes, which were unfit for driving.
The ongoing operation against unfit PSVs is continued on the directions of Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner, Rawalpindi. On the other hand, transporters (local and long routes) have strongly protested against this operation and told ‘The News’ that concerned authority was looting them in cover of crackdown.
As many as 193 vehicles have been declared unfit for driving in Rawalpindi as part of an ongoing crackdown on public transport. The campaign initiated following the Kahuta Coaster accident aims to ensure the fitness of vehicles, along with verifying route permits and licenses. So far, 1973 challan tickets have been issued till the filing of this report on Thursday.
The DRTA, Secretary Rashid Ali said that we have started operation on the directions of commissioner and deputy commissioner. Dozens of PSVs were running on roads without route permits and fitness. It was the main cause of serious road accidents, he claimed. He also said that operation was continued without any difference. Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner strictly directed us to continue operation without any fear, DRTA claimed.
He also said that we will release vehicles on the appearance of real owner who will provide us an affidavit of ownership of vehicle. He will get fitness certificate and route permit, he warned. City Police Officer (CPO) Rawalpindi Syed Khalid Hamdani who is also overseeing the operation reported that the crackdown removed the unfit vehicles from the roads. In addition hundreds of public service vehicles were fined for traffic violations resulting in Rs1.84 million in fines.
Legal action was taken against 87 drivers for driving without licenses, while 20 drivers' licenses were cancelled due to negligence. CPO Hamdani stressed the importance of ensuring safe travel on public transport, stating that 19 cases have been registered against drivers and owners who violated traffic rules. Measures are also being taken to monitor the travel time of vehicles to prevent speeding. The CPO warned that legal action would be taken against those endangering citizens' lives.
The transporters local and long routes have alleged that local administration, Rawalpindi was looting them in guise of fitness. The local administration was doing a ‘selective’ operation those were providing ‘monthly’ not facing any kind of operation while others facing hell like situation. They have also warned to start a protest demonstration if DRTA not release their vehicles within 24-hours.