Kathmandu, January 10

Kathmandu Metropolitan City and Metropolitan Traffic Police Division have jointly decided to ban four-wheelers in core city areas and heritage sites in Kathmandu.

Areas like Ason, Indrachowk and all heritage sites of Kathmandu have been declared no-go zone for four wheelers from 7:00am to 7:00pm.

The decision to ban four wheelers will come into effect from January 16. “We have taken stock of the areas and will prepare a report and hand it over to Metropolitan Traffic Division soon,” said Min Kaji Shakya, chairman of Ward 25.

We are mainly concerned about protecting our heritage sites and promoting tourism in the core city areas,” said Hari Prabha Khadgi. She said due to four wheelers, commuters faced a lot of difficulties. “However, ambulances, fire engines, dairy vehicles, water tankers and two-wheelers will be allowed in the areas,” She said.

“To implement the decision, we need at least 14 traffic cops in those areas and we have already requested Metropolitan Traffic Police Division to manage the required human resources,” said Bidur Kumar Thapa, metropolitan police officer.

Locals of the areas, who own four-wheelers, will be provided a coupon from the KMC while those who refuse to abide by the rules will be fined Rs 500 to Rs 1,000.