LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has announced a comprehensive plan to improve traffic management in Lahore, imposing a complete ban on motorcycle rickshaws on five model roads in the city.
The move aims to address the growing traffic congestion and improve safety, with a 30-day deadline set for decisive action.
In a significant announcement, CM Maryam Nawaz revealed that 20 major traffic reforms would be introduced for the first time in 60 years to make travel safer and more efficient across the province.
These reforms are part of an extensive plan to modernize the traffic system, improve road safety, and enforce stricter law enforcement across Punjab.
A detailed meeting was held under the leadership of the chief minister, where several key decisions were made, including the implementation of stricter penalties for traffic violations.
Notably, any vehicle that accumulates multiple fines will be auctioned, and no government vehicle will be exempt from the law, with hefty fines imposed on government vehicles violating traffic rules.
CM Maryam also set a 30-day deadline for the elimination of one-way violations and instructed for the remodelling of U-turns to make roads safer and more organized.
In the case of fatal accidents, it was agreed that the families of the deceased would be promptly provided with “diyat” (compensation).
The chief minister further announced that marriage halls in Punjab must arrange adequate parking or face closure, and there will be a decisive crackdown on underage drivers, with car owners facing up to six months of imprisonment for allowing minors to drive.
Another key reform includes a ban on passengers traveling on the roofs of buses, with an immediate crackdown ordered. Helmets, roof-riding, and other violations will be met with fines, and reports on enforcement will be reviewed regularly.
CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif emphasized that vehicles traveling to other cities at high speeds would also face penalties, stressing the need for a uniform approach to traffic laws across all cities in Punjab, including Lahore. “No one will be exempt from fines for violations,” she said.
She also provided a stern warning to the traffic police, stating that this is their last chance to improve. If they fail to enforce the new traffic reforms, a new department may be established to take over the responsibility.
