New laws introduced for taxi services in Peshawar

PESHAWAR: The city administration has announced important measures to reduce traffic pressure in Peshawar and ensure the safety of passengers.

A detailed review of the city’s traffic situation and public transport operations was conducted under the chairmanship of the Regional Transport Authority Chief Riaz Khan Mehsud.

Under the new measures, all private taxis plying in Peshawar will now be required to be registered with the Excise Department. Registered taxis will be given a uniform color scheme and QR code stickers, while legal action, fines and confiscation measures will be taken against unregistered vehicles.

Additionally, the administration has directed that more than 100 illegal transport operations, including unauthorized rickshaws and speed stations, be closed immediately. Arrest measures will also be taken against the contractors of these services.

To improve the flow of traffic, it has been decided to close unnecessary U-turns on Charsada and Kohat roads and launch an operation against encroachments. Also, BRT stations that are causing traffic jams will be shifted to open areas.

The meeting also decided that joint teams of Assistant Commissioners, Traffic Police and Transport Officers will take action against illegal rickshaws, Qingiz and loaders on the BRT corridor.

Furthermore, the administration has banned trucks, tractor trolleys and other goods vehicles from entering major city roads before 10 pm. Law enforcement and regulatory agencies have been directed to shift roadside check posts to open areas so that traffic can flow unhindered.

These measures are being seen as an important step towards a better and safer transport system for the citizens of Peshawar.