Traffic police to seize vehicles in special crackdown

LAHORE, July 12: People planning to go out on Sunday should be careful, as Lahore Traffic Police has announced strict action against underage drivers, people driving without a licence, and triple riding on motorcycles, ARY News reported.

Many people usually go out with friends and family on the weekly holiday, but traffic police said special operations will be carried out across the city today.

Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Abdul Rahim Shirazi said underage drivers will not only receive a traffic challan, but their car or motorcycle will also be impounded.

He said the vehicle will only be released after a Juvenile Permit is presented.

The CTO said many children bring motorcycles, cars and even rickshaws onto the roads during holidays, which is why the operation is being conducted on Sunday.

He also said traffic police will take strict action against triple riding on motorcycles to ensure safe travel for all road users.

Meanwhile, Karachi Traffic Police have planned to ban all types of rickshaws from the city’s roads, with only meter-fitted rickshaws expected to be allowed to operate under a new policy.

Speaking to reporters, DIG Traffic Pir Muhammad Shah said the e-ticketing system is part of the Safe City project and has helped improve traffic flow alongside lane marking across Karachi.

He said traffic police are working to remove Qingqi rickshaws from major roads and are planning to ban all types of rickshaws in the city. However, he added that only rickshaws equipped with meters will be allowed to operate on roads.

The DIG said around 45,000 vehicles in Karachi are currently being driven by people other than their registered owners. He added that vehicles found with fake number plates are seized and handed over to the concerned police stations.

Addressing public complaints about the e-challan system, Pir Muhammad Shah acknowledged that citizens have genuine concerns. He said e-challans are generated automatically, and errors can occur, adding that the traffic police are preparing a policy to provide relief to affected motorists.

He noted that the number of e-challans issued so far is lower than the number of manual tickets generated last year. The department is also issuing e-tickets to motorcyclists riding in the fourth lane in violation of traffic rules.

The DIG further said free training has been arranged for women who have received electric scooters under the government programme.

Highlighting road safety efforts, Pir Muhammad Shah said 164 people lost their lives in heavy traffic-related accidents in Karachi last year, adding that fatalities have since declined by 45 percent.

He also announced that authorities are planning to establish a Karachi Traffic Management Company to further improve traffic management in the metropolis.