Tractor-trailers ferrying people a common sight in city

Charanjit Singh Teja

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, May 15

Violating the traffic norms, devotees are being ferried on tractor-trailers from rural areas to Golden Temple and other religious places. The practice goes unchecked in the city as the traffic police prefer not to mess with devotees.

After harvesting the wheat crop, most of the villagers don’t have any major task to do till the start of the paddy transplantation, which is slated for June 15. The farming community often starts pilgrimage on tractor trailers that are used to transport agricultural produce.

As per the rules, the agriculture machinery, goods carriers and commercial vehicles can’t be use for ferrying passengers. But no one care about the rules. The plying of tractor trailers results in the blockade of roads. Commuters say tractor trolley drivers do not obey traffic rules and jeopardise the lives of other commuters on the roads.

Naveen, a resident of the walled city, said, “Generally, tractor trolley drivers are not aware of the traffic rules. The trolleys don’t have dippers and reflectors. The drivers don’t make any gesture before taking a turn. The police should take strict action against the errants.”

Mohinder Singh, Assistant Commissioner of Police (Traffic), said, “I have joined recently. Such a practice has been noticed. Policemen, generally, don’t interfere when it comes to religious issues. But violation of traffic rules will not be tolerated. For the safety of occupants in trolleys, we will start an awareness drive. As per the rules, no one can use the good carriers for ferrying passengers.”