PMO issues directives on road safety

The Prime Minister's Office has issued a set of directives, asking the authorities to make sure that passengers are picked and dropped only at bus stops and the doors of running buses are kept shut, among other things, to ensure road safety in the capital.

The directives came from a meeting of the PMO's Governance Innovation Unit (GIU) on “Development of Traffic System in Dhaka City” on Thursday.

Prime Minister's Principal Secretary Nojibur Rahman chaired the meeting held at the PMO, while GIU Deputy Director Ali Newaz Russell made a power-point presentation at the meeting.

The directives also include keeping photos of driver and helper with their names, driving licence and mobile numbers at two noticeable places in vehicles by August 20, continuing all activities of Traffic Week until next directive and introducing remote-controlled automatic electric signalling system in the capital.

The other directives are on ensuring mandatory helmets for motorcycle riders and not allowing more than two people on a bike as well as compelling them to abide by all traffic rules.

Directives have been given to drivers of passenger vehicles, especially long-haul buses, to fasten their seat belts. It has also been asked the authorities concerned to make arrangements for introducing seat belts for passengers.

Legal steps will be taken against those who will breach traffic rules.

Besides, the meeting has taken a decision to take effective steps to completely stop jaywalking where there is a footbridge or underpass.

It has also been decided to take steps, including necessary cleaning and arrangement of security at footbridges and underpasses and installation of necessary lights at underpasses and CCTV cameras outside them, so that the city dwellers feel motivated to use these.

Apart from these, directives have also been issued to make zebra crossings and road signs visible, free footpaths from occupation of hawkers and the streets from illegal parking and establishments.

The nameplates of all streets will have to be installed in a visible spot. Height of median strips on streets in the capital will be raised to prevent people from crossing them.

The meeting has also decided to deploy mobile courts, ensure presence of law enforcement agencies' members and check fitness of vehicles and driving licences in at least two spots between Mohakhali flyover and Farmgate.

Besides, initiatives will have to be taken to make arrangements so that students can cross streets with the help of their seniors and members of Scouts and BNCC just before and after their academic activities in coordination with all educational institutions in the capital.

The education ministry will give necessary directives in this regard.

Regarding the fitness and licence of vehicles, the meeting has decided to take steps against undocumented vehicles. The authorities will have to expedite the process for issuing licences.

Meanwhile, principal secretary to the prime minister, chief coordinator on SDG affairs at the PMO, senior secretary of the Local Government Division, PMO secretary, Roads and Highways Division secretary, CEOs of Dhaka north and south city corporations, DG (admin) at PMO, DG (GIU) at PMO will inspect different points from the Airport Road to Nagar Bhaban today morning.

All the offices concerned will send plans to the PMO within a very short time.

The GIU will again review the already undertaken steps for improving the traffic system as well as addressing the traffic jam in the capital and then submit a report before the PM's principal secretary.