February 04, 2008	Monday	Muharram 25, 1429

PESHAWAR, Feb 3: The illegal buss stands of public transporters are creating traffic mess in the provincial capital and have made people’s lives miserable, residents complained here on Sunday.

“The illegal stands of Suzuki and pick-ups across the city have put people’s lives at stake,” they said.

During a survey, most of the illegal stands were found in the heart of the old city, particularly at the Khyber Bazaar, Dabgari Garden, Ramdas Bazaar, Dilazak Road, Bacha Khan Chowk, Sikandarpura, Stadium Chowk, Cinema Road and Bajauri Gate.

In some areas, residents have also established illegal motorcycle parking and are minting money. The parking lots were established without any official permission but the officials concerned had turned a blind eye, sources claimed.

The stands have further added to the already mismanaged traffic system in the city, which seems that there is no official to streamline the flow of traffic at least at the intersections.

Majority of the problems are being created due to excessive number of rickshaws as most of them are plying on the city roads without number plats. The rickshaw drivers have also established their own parking zones across the city even in the cantonment areas.

For a rickshaw driver, there are no restrictions and he can take a U-turn anywhere on the road even if his illegal action is causing traffic congestion.

Besides, encroachers have also made residents’ lives miserable. Almost on every busy road, either shopkeepers have stretched their business to the footpaths or vendors have occupied the pavements.

The double parking of vehicles is another issue which also needs immediate attention of the concerned authorities.