The Himachal Pradesh High Court has directed the state transport and district administration to restrict traffic for three hours in Sanjauli Bazar, use latest traffic equipment and bar unauthorised parking in this town.

A division bench comprising Justices Rajiv Sharma and R B Mishra, taking into account the report filed by a committee constituted by the court to suggest short and long-term measures for removing anomalies for the effective traffic system, directed the District Administration yesterday to issue the necessary notification for implementation of these measures within a period of one week.

The High Court also asked for restriction for vehicular traffic in the Sanjauli Bazar in between 0900 to 1000 hrs and 1700 to 1900 hrs. No heavy goods transport vehicles or light commercial vehicles should be permitted to go to the bus stand through the Bazar.

It asked the state to fill the vacant posts in the traffic department within three months after completing Codal formalities and to look into whether a sum of Rs 500 was to be paid to Honorary Traffic Wardens as suggested by the Committee.

The authorities were directed to ensure that Doppler Radar, Alcohol-Sensor, motor cycle and crane to be provided in six months.

The High Court ordered the Shimla Municipal Corporation to undertake the construction of parking lots where the money has already been sanctioned and complete the process of sanctioning the necessary amounts under the budgetary provisions for remaining identified parking lots.

It also ordered deployment of sufficient number of traffic constables on Sundays and holidays to regulate the extra traffic.

The High Court ruled to make mandatory reservation of 33 per cent for women, 10 per cent for children below 14 years and 5 per cent for senior citizen in all transport vehicles, including HRTC and private buses.

UNI