No Leguna on Dhaka roads: DMP

No fuel for those without helmets

FE Team | Published: September 04, 2018 23:44:33

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) said on Thursday no human-hauler, locally named as Leguna, will be allowed to ply the streets of the capital, report agencies.
The DMP Commissioner Asaduzzaman Mia urged gas stations in the city not to supply fuel to motorcyclists without helmets.
"Serious traffic problems are created on the city streets due to the plying of such vehicles which are also the main causes of road accidents," the DMP commissioner said while addressing a press conference organised at its media centre on occasion of the month-long traffic management programme.
He also said a large number of Leguna are carrying people illegally on Dhaka streets though human-haulers do not have any route permit.
Such vehicles can only ply the roads outside the city like the 300 Feet or in Bosila areas, said Asaduzzaman Mia.
"We have already requested the fuel station authorities that they should not supply fuel to those motorcyclists who don't wear helmets," Mia said in the media briefing.
"None of the petrol pumps will supply fuel to those riders. The move is in progress."
"Our goal is to establish a proper traffic system, reduce congestion and encourage people to follow the traffic rules through the special traffic programme during September," Mia said.
"We will organise programmes to create awareness on the traffic system at different points in the city."
At least 322 scout members will join forces with the police in every phase of the programme.
At least 626,000 cases have been filed against traffic offenders in the last one and a half years and 99,000 offences were captured on video in the capital last year, according to the commissioner.
Authorities have identified 121 bus stops in the city and are working to install signboards there within a week in an effort to combat traffic violations.
"I'll make sure the buses don't stop indiscriminately on the roads," Mia said.
The DMP chief threatened to take action against those vehicles that used flag stands but do not deserve any privilege.
A model traffic corridor will be opened from the Jahangir Gate to Zero Point in September, forcing vehicles to adhere to the automated signals and road discipline. The model corridor will be expanded to other roads.
A committee led by the principal secretary to the prime minister is working to find ways to operate the buses in the capital through six companies and build infrastructure if needed.
The DMP commissioner has urged people to using footbridges, underpasses and zebra crossings. "Do not cross the roads putting lives at risk."
Calling Dhaka as 'a city of rickshaws', he said rickshaws registered in other districts are coming to the city. "That's why traffic system turns horrific."
"We have already decided that rickshaws, which were not registered in Dhaka, will be seized."