LAHORE – Global carbonated soft drink producer Coca-Cola was booked for creating traffic chaos in Lahore on the eve of its recently concluded ‘Coke Fest’ food festival.
The beverage brand which organised a three-day festival to celebrate the food scene Lahoris ignored the aspect of traffic management and the negligence was made obvious on the final day of the event (Sunday) when commuters were left stranded on different thoroughfares, a strict notice of which was taken by the city police.
Chief Traffic Officer Rai Ijaz Hussain told newsmen that the administration of Coke was apprised of the traffic issues prior to the event and was directed to specify 10 different parking spots to ease the public, however, the management failed to do so and sent invites in droves that attracted a large audience.
“A case has been registered and proceedings have been initiated against the administration of Coca-Cola for blocking the road and disrupting the flow of traffic,” said the official.
The food festival which was arranged in the upscale Royal Palm Golf & Country Club on the 17, 18 and 19th on November faced widespread criticism for disturbing their routines.
Scores of residents of Shalimar, Baghbanpura, Mughalpura and other areas were cut off from other parts of the city due to snarl-ups.
The city police had deputed three car lifters and several traffic wardens to keep the flow of traffic smooth, however, the officials were allegedly busy in gossips instead of performing their duties.
According to a report by Daily Khabrain, the soft drink manufacturer had conducted a concert on the conclusion of the event, without taking permission from the local administration.
The concert attracted a large number of citizens which served as an impetus for traffic blockage.
