GUJRAT: The local administration has formally kicked off the zoning of the motorcycle rickshaws by issuing them route permits for plying different roads of the city.

Gujrat Deputy Commissioner Dr Khurram Shahzad on Tuesday formally launched the `Zone One` where at least 100 motorcycle rickshaws have been issued route permits to ply between Ramtalai Chowk to Kathala Chenab and Hariyewala Chowk bypass as no other such vehicles could ply the route without having the permit of zone one. Under the zoning plan of the local administration and traffic police to cope with the rising number of motorcycle rickshaws in the city, three wheelers would have to install a plate bearing the number of its allotted route otherwise the vehicle would be barred from plying in the city.

The DC said registration of motorcycle rickshaws on the remaining six routes of the city was under process that would be completed in phases.

As many as 15,000 motorcyclerickshaws are plying without route permits in the city. Under the fresh plan, drivers of such vehicles mayface heavy Knes or cancellation of licence in case of not having the route permit and zoning plate installed on the vehicle.

The DC said thousands of motorcycle-rickshaws had been a major cause of concern for maintaining traffic flow in the city.He said the motorway police would also be approached with directions to stopmotorcycle-rickshaws on the GT Road to avoid road accidents.

Administrator Gujrat Municipal Corporation Dr Rani Hafsa Kanwal, DSP traffic Saeed Warraich, chief officer of Gujrat MC Ikhlag Warraich, RTA secretary Kamran Akbar and other officers were also present at the launching of the zone one.-WASEEM ASHRAF BUTT