The Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) is on a mission to make roads safe for the citizens. As a step forward in that direction, ITP has decided to take drivers’ mobile phone usage as a serious offence. The police have proposed to fine anyone using mobile phones behind the wheel.
Currently, the use of mobile phones comes under ‘other miscellaneous offences’ with no specific ban. Still, since the start of this year, the police have fined 15,233 drivers with Rs. 300 for using phones while driving.
Proposed Fine
ITP has suggested the Cabinet to charge Rs. 1,000 fine from motorcyclists, Rs. 1,500 from car drivers, and Rs. 2,000 from public transport drivers for using mobile phones while driving. The new proposed penalties will be charged as soon as the Cabinet Division approves.
According to ITP officials, 100% of the Islamabad public is literate and know the law, but they still break it. That’s the biggest challenge for the police — teaching the law to the well-educated.
Talking to the media, the SP Islamabad Traffic Police Sarfraz Virk said that they have also put forward the request to increase traffic police personnel to 2600+. Currently, there are 556 jawans in the ITP force working in three shifts. It’s tough for them to cover the whole city at all times. Adding more staff will increase the police presence across the city and make the roads safer for the citizens.
Accidents happen in a blink of an eye. You have to be paying attention all the time. You never know what call, which text, or post becomes your last when you do it from behind the wheel. You are not just putting your life on the line, but also your family’s. So, be careful while driving, keep your eyes on the road, cooperate with the police, and follow the traffic rules.
