At least 50 per cent of traffic jams and road accidents occurred due to unmarking of roads as roads are not properly marked with signs, speed limits and zebra crossing that have been causing troubles for commuters and pedestrians in the metropolis.
According to DIG Traffic Amir Ahmed Shaikh, the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) had been asked by the Traffic Police Department to take immediate action against illegal encroachers in the city, including auto workshops along the roads, illegal parking on services roads and illegal blockage of street venders on footpaths.
Dr Amir said at least 900 vehicles of different types were being registered everyday in the metropolis as per the report of the Sindh Excise and Taxation Department hindering smooth flow of traffic.
The DIG said the road surface signs ie lane marking, zebra crossing, stop lines had been faded and causing a lot of inconvenience to the road-users.
There are no traffic signboards, mandatory signs, warning signs and informatory signs available on the roads for guidance and awareness of the road-users which might lead to serious road mishaps.
Amir said they have requested the department concerned to carry out a survey of all main roads and do the needful on a priority basis purely in the interest of the general public.
He said illegal encroachers occupied one-thirds of main roads which was dangerous for pedestrians and was causing traffic congestions on many roads including Johar Chowrangi Road, Mosmiyat Chowrangi, Johar More Road, Tariq Road, MA Jinnah Road and University Road.