Load shedding has been creating severe problems on the roads by rendering traffic signals dysfunctional, leading to traffic jams and accidents.
Most signals are not operative due to load shedding, and while traffic police personnel are employed at the busiest crossings, many of them remain unmanned by traffic wardens.
A commuter Hafiz Syed complained that the traffic police did not consider the time factor in their traffic management, delaying many commuters needlessly. He added that long traffic queues of traffic could be witnessed on these signals due to the wardens’ negligence.
Another commuter Ayan Sadiq said that it was not possible for one warden to control the heavy traffic flow, suggesting three of four must be deployed at each crossing.
Ayan added that the traffic jams also help up ambulances, whose easy movement on the roads is highly important.
An Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) senior official said that load shedding was the main reason behind dysfunctional traffic signals. He said that the traffic personnel’s main focus was on roads with the heaviest traffic flow.
He informed that the Traffic Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) had directed the concerned officers to station more wardens on these key traffic zones.
The official added that their organization would take extra measures in this regard, although it was the Capital Development Authority (CDA)’s duty to maintain the traffic signals and provide a backup system when required.