Traffic violations have long been a persistent issue, not just in Lahore, but across many cities. In an effort to curb these violations, the Punjab Police are proposing significant changes to the current traffic laws. The plan includes introducing two new systems—the Scaling Traffic Fines System (STFS) and the Traffic Violation Point System (TVPS) including vehicle tax increase. These changes aim to not only punish repeat offenders but also tackle the growing problem of luxury vehicles disregarding traffic rules.
Higher Fines
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr. Usman Anwar is spearheading the proposed amendments, which include dramatic increases in fines for repeat offenders. The new system would impose fines up to ten times the current rate depending on the type of vehicle involved in the violation. This is part of an effort to target luxury vehicles, which are often driven by individuals who seem less affected by standard penalties.
Traffic Violation Point System (TVPS)
The Traffic Violation Point System (TVPS) is another crucial aspect of this overhaul. If an individual accumulates 29 or more demerit points from traffic violations in a year, their driving license would be revoked for a full year.
This measure is designed to hit hard at those who regularly flout traffic laws. A draft of this proposal, which was prepared by Lahore’s Chief Traffic Officer (CTO), DIG Athar Waheed, has already received initial approval from senior officials, including the provincial police chief.
Scaling Fines Based on Vehicle Type
What makes this proposal even more interesting is the idea of scaling fines based on the vehicle type. For example, drivers of luxury vehicles would face fines up to ten times higher than the standard amount, while public transport vehicles would be subject to fines five times higher.
For regular citizens, especially those from the middle class, fines would be twice the standard amount. This approach is expected to hold people accountable in a way that is both effective and fair, taking into account their vehicle type and economic status.
Increasing Vehicle Taxes
Furthermore, the proposal also includes a drastic 100% increase in the annual tax for personal vehicles. While this might seem like a steep hike, the idea behind this measure is to encourage people to shift towards public transport. With fewer private vehicles on the road, the hope is that traffic congestion will decrease, leading to less pollution and smoother traffic flow.
The final approval of these amendments depends on the provincial assembly, but if passed, they will certainly change the way traffic laws are enforced in Punjab. What do you think about this plan to curb traffic violations? Tell us in the comments section.
Just say it in clear words. The plan is to crush the middle-class by increasing token taxes.
Middle class is mostly the salaried class is already overburdened and paying enough to government for nothing.
100% token tax increase “to encourage people to use public transport to reduce congestion and, thereby, pollution”. Right… 🤯🤦♂️🤣
Our dear leaders/government/administration/establishments’ attitude towards solving problems is that of cavemen. Bludgeon everything with sticks and stones and see what happens.
What does their approach even mean? What is their end game? Do they want people to park their cars and use public transport? In such cases people will STILL pay the token tax. OR do they want people to sell their cars and use public transport? No cars no congestion no pollution. What a solution!
IF public transport conditions in Lahore are “good”, do they know how public transport is in other cities around the country? What about long distance travel?
Instead of incentivizing sales of EV bikes and scooters for the general public, they are relegated to PR stunt status and bundled in with laptops for students.
EV bikes and Scooters, EV AND Plugin Hybrid four wheelers need to be brought down in price AND low cost finance options (less than 1% or 2% for EV two/three wheelers and 3% to 5% max for EV and Plug-in Hybrid four wheelers) need to be established to make them easy for people to adopt.
On brand new, cheap imported EV vehicles, CBU and CKD (less than 50K USD import value), the total tax intake should be no more than 1% to 2% to keep the prices down. After all, that is what is required for Pakistan’s “green initiative” and that is how some of the IMF climate fund must/should be spent. 🤔😉😇. Support the right moves.
THAT is how we tackle the pollution and smog problem, NOT tax increases. This would require a joint effort by the government, finance sector and auto sector.
As for the congestion problem, DEAL WITH IT! That is the job you traffic guys signed up for, If congestion is still an issue, that means lack of good solutions on your part. Stop complaining and Keep trying. You’ll get it right. Its the nature of the job you chose to do. 👍