Lahore, Pakistan: Dense fog blanketed Lahore and its surrounding areas on Thursday, prompting authorities to close the Lahore-Islamabad motorway (M-11) for traffic. Visibility plummeted, posing a significant safety risk for motorists.
The closure encompasses both the Lahore-Islamabad and Lahore-Sialkot sections of the motorway, prioritizing driver safety in the challenging weather conditions.
CTO Takes Action:
Lahore Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Ammara Ather swiftly responded to the situation, deploying additional personnel and instructing circle police officers to be present along internal and external city routes. Increased traffic load within the city due to the motorway closure is being efficiently managed.
Safety Measures Advised:
To ensure safe travel during the foggy season, CTO Lahore emphasized the use of reflectors and flasher lights as visual indicators for drivers. The Punjab police further urged travelers to:
- Utilize front and back fog lights
- Prioritize daylight travel when possible
Past Closures:
This is not the first time foggy conditions have disrupted motorway travel. Last week, National Highways and Motorway Police (NH&MP) closed sections of M-2 and M-3 due to similar concerns. The M2 closure stretched from Thokar Niaz to Khanqah Dogran, while M-3 was closed from Faizpur to Nankana Sahib.
As winter settles in, motorists are advised to stay informed about weather conditions and prioritize safety by following traffic advisories and implementing proper fog driving techniques.