By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Under tremendous pressure to come out with a solution to the massive traffic jams which have become a daily affair on the streets of Shillong, the State Government is now exploring the possibility of engaging partners under the PPP (Public-Private-Partnership) mode to tow away vehicles found to violate traffic rules.
Talking to media persons after a meeting with his cabinet colleagues and other state officials to dwell on the traffic menace in the State, Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma said, “We will ensure that the provisions of the Motor Vehicle Act is enforced strictly because it is required to enforce discipline amongst those who often violate traffic rules.”
Pointing out that the Motor Vehicle Act needed
amendment the Chief Minister informed that he has directed the State Chief Secretary to take up the matter with the concerned Union ministry.
The State Government has also asked the Police Traffic branch to give a ‘complete detailing’ of traffic rules and put up signage at all spots where overtaking and parking are not allowed, it was informed.
Besides, the Government is also examining the proposal to construct lay-bies along the Umiam-Shillong and Jowai-Smit stretches of the highways as well as a parking bay for parking of public vehicles like buses and taxis, the Chief Minister informed.
“Since the construction of the four-lane road is not yet finalized the government will acquire land for the construction of the lay-bies as one of the measures to ease traffic congestion,” Dr Sangma said.
The meeting also discussed the ways and means to clear all the vacancies within the police department at the earliest.
“There are substantial vacancies in the police department. They have to clear certain posts within this month,” the Chief Minister added.
No trucks to ply through city: The administration has banned plying of trucks through Shillong city from December 21 to December 26 in view of the forthcoming Christmas festival. The decision has been taken to ensure that Christmas celebrations are not hampered due to congestion. However, trucks carrying essential commodities have been exempted from the ban.