ISLAMABAD: Traffic police personnel of the twin cities have taken strict action against those driving unregistered public service vehicles.

In Rawalpindi alone, 2,085 vehicle owners have so far been challaned for not having registration and route permits during the current month. Besides, the city traffic police also confis-cated many vehicles.

Following directives of Chief Traffic Officer Naveed Irshad, the police have taken stern action against underage drivers and those without licences.

`The vehicles will be locked up in police stations and will be handed over to the owners after a written statement is taken from the parents, spokesman for the traffic police said.

Mr Irshad said all circle in-charges would beresponsible for eradicating illegal bases established in their respective circles along with the agencies concerned and no negligence would be tolerated in this regard.

He added that driving a public service vehicle is a huge responsibility because the lives of passengers are involved and underage drivers could cause major accidents.

In addition to making arrangements, effective enforcement of traffic laws, maintaining the flow of traffic, prevention of road accidents and protection of lives and property of road users on highways has always been my top priority, he said.

Orders have been issued to all thecircle and sector in-charges, therefore citizens are also requested to abide by trafEc rules to avoid any legal hassle.

Old-time residents of the cantonment area have appealed to the district administration and city traffic police to impose a ban on entry ofrickshaws as these vehicles had been causing problems for the public besides pollution.

Meanwhile, Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) have taken these steps to protect the lives and property of motorcyclists and other citizens. It has also been decided that strict legal action will be taken against those driving public service vehicles without fitness certificates.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Traffic Rai Mazhar Iqbal directed in-charges of all zones to take strict legal action and imposed heavy fines against vehicle owners without documentation.

He also directed officials to park vehicles without registration at police stations.

He also said ITP special enforcement teams had been formed to take effective measures.

`Safety of life and property of the citizens and providing all possible transport facilities is the foremost priority of Islamabad Traffic Police, strict legal action will be taken against those violating traffic,` he said.