Driver plunges bus into Jhelum River after Rs5,000 challan in Muzaffarabad

MUZAFFARABAD: A passenger coach driver drove his vehicle into the Jhelum River in Muzaffarabad after being issued a Rs5,000 traffic challan for violating traffic rules, according to police.

Police said a police officer had boarded the bus after the challan was issued because the vehicle was to be taken into custody after passengers were dropped at their destination. On the return trip, while the officer was directing the bus towards an impound site, the driver suddenly steered it into the river.

Officials said both the driver and the police officer jumped out before the bus fell into the water and survived the incident. Police also said that after the episode, drivers held a protest at Supreme Court Chowk against the challan and the police action.

Traffic fines revised earlier this month

Earlier this month, the Punjab government reduced traffic fines for motorcycle, car and commercial vehicle owners and put revised rates into effect.

Under the updated fines, motorcyclists face a Rs1,000 penalty for using mobile phones while driving, crossing lane lines, disrupting traffic flow and using pressure horns. A fine of Rs2,000 remains in place for riding without a helmet, driving the wrong way and driving without a licence.

For car drivers, the fine is Rs2,000 for lane violations and Rs3,000 for breaking traffic signals. Commercial vehicle drivers face a Rs5,000 fine for driving without a licence and for signal violations.

The revised penalties also include fines for smoke-emitting vehicles: Rs2,000 for motorcycles and rickshaws, Rs3,000 for cars and Rs5,000 for commercial vehicles.