Fate of LED screens depends on committee’s recommendation

[CMY]

* Screens switched off at behest of Traffic Police

LAHORE: All light emitting diode (LED) screens installed by the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) on the city’s main roads have been switched off till a six-member committee of the PHA issues its recommendations in this regard, said a PHA official on Monday.


The PHA installed LED screens on The Mall, the Canal, Kalma Chowk, Defence Housing Authority, Jail Road, Park Lane, Gulberg, Cavalry Grounds and Cantt during the previous government’s regime.

Later, the screens were switched off when the Traffic Police objected to them. The district coordination officer (DCO) also objected to the screens and directed the PHA to immediately switch off them.

He also ordered the authorities concerned to remove generators kept along with the LCD screens, which according to him caused pollution and noise.

A number of commuters also objected to the screens. A traffic warden said it had become difficult for them to control drivers and pedestrians whose eyes pop out of their heads. He said the screens distracted drivers and could cause serious accidents.

A six-member committee consisting of officials of the Traffic and Engineering Planning Authority (TEPA), Traffic Police, Environment Department and PHA was formed to probe into the matter and give its recommendations.

Two members were included in the meeting as representatives of the stakeholders. The committee switched on two LED screens on an experimental basis to complete the survey on objections, which were raised on the screens. The committee, however, recommended switching off the screens. The committee would give its recommendations about their shifting or removal within few days, a PHA official said. The LCD screens installed in Defense Housing Authority and Cantt were still switched on, he said.