Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) has taken up comprehensive programmes to ease city traffic congestion and reduce pollution caused by vehicles.

Talking to BSS Tuesday BRTA Chairman A N Hussain said motor vehicles.- particularly two-stroke engines on roads are the main contributors to air pollution.

He said air pollution Is considered a serious health hazard and suggested that measures be taken to reduce it In the Interest of good health of public, especially children.

He further suggested steps by authorities concerned to limit lead content in petrol at the refining stage.

Dhaka city has over 40.000 two-stroke engine three-wheelers and their number Is increasing at an alarming rate.

He felt that the number of two-stroke engine vehicles should be limited and said steps had been taken to impose a ceiling on the total number of autorickshaws in the major metropolitan cities.

The BRTA chairman said his organisation had taken a decision not to allow plying of two-stroke engine vehicles beyond nine years He said BRTA would review the condition of two stroke engines every year.

Hussain said. BRTA will continue to encourage people to use concentrated natural gas (CNG) as fuel which, he observed, is safe from pollution point of view. Hussain said things are moving towards better traffic system with the implementation of certain mea sures. Situation will improve further.