Lahore: Taking a major step towards completely changing the traffic system in Punjab, the government has announced strict laws and new regulations. According to officials, these reforms will not only modernize the existing system but will also help in directly controlling the growing traffic problems.
Under the new laws, if a vehicle is found involved in continuous traffic violations, the relevant vehicle will first be seized and then auctioned. The government has made it clear that government vehicles will also come under the purview of the law, and officers who commit violations will also have to face heavy fines.
A 30-day deadline has been given across Punjab to stop one-way violations, while U-turns are being redesigned at various locations to reduce accidents and traffic jams.
The reforms have made it mandatory to pay immediate compensation to the families of traffic accidents, so that there is no delay in financial assistance. Similarly, proper parking has been made mandatory for wedding halls and the license can be cancelled immediately for violation.
Announcing a strict crackdown on underage drivers, the authorities have said that in such cases, the owner of the vehicle may also face imprisonment. A ban on traveling on the roofs of buses has been imposed across the province, and strict action will be taken against its violation.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz made it clear that overspeeding on motorways and highways will not be tolerated at all. She said that traffic rules should be applied equally to all and there will be no concessions for breaking the law.
Traffic strategy experts say that if these reforms continue and are implemented strictly, significant improvements are possible in Punjab’s traffic system in the next few years. According to them, strict punishments can help change the behavior of drivers immediately.
