Rawalpindi Bans Improvised Loader-Rickshaws to Improve Road Safety

In a move aimed at improving road safety and traffic management, the government has imposed an immediate ban on motorcycles converted into makeshift loader-rickshaws across the Rawalpindi division. The decision targets a growing trend where ordinary motorcycles are illegally modified with metal or wooden structures to carry goods, posing risks to both riders and the public.

Strict Enforcement Ordered

According to official directives, the Secretary of the Transport Authority, the Excise, Taxation & Narcotics Control Department, and the Rawalpindi Traffic Police have all been instructed to launch a strict crackdown against such modified vehicles without any delay.

While genuine, factory-made loader-rickshaws and Qingqi rickshaws remain legal for transporting passengers and cargo, the ban focuses specifically on bikes that have been altered by attaching large metal frames or wooden platforms. These makeshift loaders are commonly seen on busy roads and marketplaces where they often disrupt traffic flow and contribute to congestion and safety hazards.

Confiscation and Penalties

Officials have announced that any motorcycles found illegally converted into loader-rickshaws will be impounded immediately and shifted to local police stations. To reclaim their vehicles, owners must first remove the unauthorized structures under court supervision. Only then will the original motorcycle be released back to its owner.

The Transport Authority emphasized that the ban covers all main roads, commercial areas, and heavily trafficked routes in Rawalpindi division. The aim is to keep roads safer for both motorists and pedestrians by removing overloaded and unstable vehicles from circulation.

Why the Ban?

These makeshift loader-bikes often lack proper balance and safety features, making them prone to accidents. Additionally, they violate road safety standards and contribute to unregulated commercial transport activities that bypass licensing and tax requirements.

By enforcing the ban, authorities hope to encourage the use of properly registered and designed loader-rickshaws and Qingqi rickshaws, which meet the minimum safety and operational standards for public roads.

Public Urged to Comply

Transport officials have appealed to the public and local businesses to comply with the new ban and avoid illegal vehicle modifications. They have also warned that repeat offenders may face further legal action and fines.

Afsheen Gohar

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