Punjab govt to hike traffic fines by 10 times, launch major reforms

(Web Desk): A high-level special meeting was held under the chairmanship of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to discuss improvements in the traffic system.

During the meeting, a principled decision was made to take strict action against traffic law violations.

It was decided that fines for traffic violations would be increased by up to ten times. Parents will be held responsible and face legal action if underage children are found driving.

The Chief Minister directed an immediate ban on vehicles carrying dangerously protruding metal rods (sarya) and ordered such vehicles to be impounded. Legal cases will also be registered for one-wheeling and reckless driving.

The meeting ordered the immediate removal of traffic flow obstacles on Bedian Road and other major routes. Remodeling of 372 traffic points in Punjab and 77 in Lahore was also considered.

The Chief Minister instructed that video and photographic evidence be attached to traffic challans (tickets), and digital screens be installed roadside to provide advance warnings about traffic jams. A consensus was also reached on imposing heavy fines for using mobile phones while driving and taking strict action against vehicles being driven with non-functional or missing headlights.

The meeting also discussed changes to the traffic police uniform and dividing personnel into five different categories. To ensure transparency, traffic wardens will be given the authority to issue in-camera challans (evidence-backed tickets).

Maryam Nawaz approved the provision of modern patrol vehicles and advanced equipment to the traffic police. She remarked that there has been no visible improvement in the traffic system and emphasized the need for solid and sustainable measures.

She added, "Effective action to prevent traffic accidents before they happen is the real success. I personally go out to review traffic conditions on various roads."