Christmas shopping spree chokes city

SHILLONG: Traffic congestion has increased in the city as hordes of people are thronging markets for last-minute Christmas shopping.
The stretches from MES point to Rhino point and IGP-Police Bazar-Motphran are the worst hit and on Saturday vehicles moved in snail’s pace throughout the day and in the evening.
Police said extra deployment of traffic personnel has been made for Christmas and New Year’s eve. Many traffic guards are doing double duties. They are cracking down on people who are flouting parking rules.
The growing number of vehicles on the city road has led to traffic snarls at every thoroughfare as well as connecting lanes. It was informed that 70 vehicles were registered here on Friday.
Shillong police have deployed extra security personnel for both Christmas and New Year’s Eve in and around the city.
East Khasi Hills SP Davis Marak has also exhorted revellers to desist from drunken driving.
Alcohol meters have been issued to all police stations and traffic branches. Nakas will be set up around town to check drunken driving and other nuisance.
The Police Department wished all citizens on the occasion and asked them to travel safely. It also asked all to abide by the Supreme Court order prohibiting loud music after 10 pm.