LAHORE: The Punjab government has decided to increase fines for traffic violations by up to tenfold, officials said on Tuesday after a special meeting chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.
The new measures include holding parents accountable if underage children are caught driving, with FIRs to be registered. Heavy fines for using mobile phones while driving were also approved.
Parking of heavily loaded trolleys along major roads will be banned, and strict action will target vehicles with broken headlights or dangerously hanging items like iron rods. Cases will be filed against one-wheeling and reckless driving.
The meeting reviewed remodelling plans for 372 traffic points across Punjab and 77 in Lahore. To ensure transparency, traffic challans will now include video and photographic evidence, with wardens issuing fines “in camera” for accountability.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz approved provision of modern patrol vehicles and advanced equipment for the traffic police. She also ordered the removal of traffic bottlenecks on key routes, including Bedian Road, and announced installation of roadside digital screens to monitor and manage congestion.
A proposal to update traffic police uniforms was discussed, along with the introduction of five new traffic officer categories: Enforcement Officer, Traffic Regulator, Education Officer, Licensing Officer, and Public Service Officer.
