You might think of traffic enforcement as just about tickets, but a look at the latest figures from Punjab Police shows a massive effort to make roads safer and more orderly. It’s a story of millions of driving licenses, billions in fines, and a relentless drive to curb dangerous behaviors.
Driving Licenses & Fines
It’s been a busy year for the Punjab Police. So far, they’ve issued a staggering 4.876 million driving licenses across the province. That’s a huge number of new drivers hitting the road legally!
But with more drivers comes the need for stricter enforcement. The police have issued over 7.3 million traffic challans for various violations, collecting fines exceeding Rs 4.52 billion. Yes, you read that right—billions! This isn’t just about revenue; it’s about holding drivers accountable and deterring dangerous habits.
A significant chunk of these violations, around 2.5 million, were for vehicles spewing smoke, highlighting a focus on environmental responsibility alongside road safety. Beyond fines, serious actions were taken: 22,276 vehicles were impounded, and 214 fitness certificates were confiscated.
The Directives
Punjab Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr. Usman Anwar is not mincing words. He’s stressed that the crackdown on traffic violators must continue, with a particular emphasis on recovering unpaid fines. This shows a commitment to seeing enforcement through to the end.
But it’s not all about penalties. The IGP also pointed out that Punjab Police are actively involved in training citizens through 127 driving schools they operate. This proactive approach aims to equip new drivers with the skills and knowledge needed to be responsible on the roads.
Crackdown Against One-Wheeling & Underage Driving
Lahore, a major metropolitan area, has its own specific challenges, particularly when it comes to risky behaviors like one-wheeling and underage driving. The Lahore Police are tackling these head-on.
In July alone, 126 individuals were arrested for one-wheeling, with an equal number of cases registered. Looking at the bigger picture, over the past year, 1,187 people have been arrested for this dangerous stunt, resulting in 1,067 registered cases.
The Lahore Police Chief and CCPO Bilal Siddique Kamiana have made it clear that operations against these activities are ongoing. Special checkpoints have been set up on major highways to monitor and deter such stunts. It’s a joint effort, with the Traffic Police, Dolphin Squad, and other special teams working together to prevent incidents involving underage drivers, one-wheeling, and illegal racing.
And the crackdown isn’t just on the riders. The CCPO has issued strict instructions to take action against mechanics who modify motorcycles to facilitate one-wheeling and racing. This targets the root of the problem, aiming to cut off the supply of modified bikes used for stunts.
The extensive efforts by Punjab Police, from issuing licenses to enforcing strict penalties and actively educating drivers, paint a clear picture: they are determined to improve road safety and maintain order. It’s a multi-pronged approach that combines enforcement, education, and a strong message to those who endanger themselves and others.
