Islamabad fines more than 66,000 motorists for traffic violations in 30 days

ISLAMABAD: More than 66,000 motorists were fined in the federal capital over the past 30 days for breaching traffic rules, police officials said on Wednesday, as enforcement also led to the impounding of thousands of vehicles and the registration of hundreds of cases.

According to police officials, 66,000-plus violators were penalised during the month-long period. Those booked included 20 government officers, 14 foreigners, 13 army officers, 11 diplomats, 11 politicians, seven celebrities, one judiciary official and 24 refugees. The officials added that 8,487 vehicles were impounded during the same period, while 399 cases were registered against motorists over traffic violations on roads in the capital.

Most common violations

Police officials said the highest number of tickets were issued for lane violations, with 10,566 challans recorded in the last 30 days. Wrong parking accounted for 10,241 tickets, followed by 6,345 challans for fancy or unpatented registration plates. Another 4,301 tickets were issued for wrong-way and careless driving, 3,854 for overloading, 3,643 for not wearing seat belts and 3,329 for signal violations.

The enforcement drive also resulted in 1,184 tickets for using a mobile phone while driving, 410 for driving without a registration plate, 358 for tinted glasses, 348 for defective lights, 316 for stopping on zebra crossings and stop lines, 287 for driving without a licence and 244 for using HD and high-beam lights.

In addition, officials said 191 tickets were issued for operating vehicles without a fitness certificate, 115 for heavy sound silencers, 47 to underage drivers, 26 for pressure and musical horns, 16 to smoke-emitting vehicles and six for overcharging by public service vehicles. The remaining challans were issued for other traffic offences.

Lane violations and impoundments

Police officials said that alongside the 10,566 tickets issued for lane violations, the Islamabad Traffic Police impounded 1,566 vehicles at police stations over the same offence. In the last week alone, 4,358 drivers were caught committing lane violations and 463 vehicles were impounded.

They said the Expressway recorded the highest number of lane violations over the past week, with 978 tickets issued and 166 vehicles impounded. To monitor traffic offences on the route, particularly lane violations, the Islamabad Traffic Police has deployed nine patrol vehicles on the Expressway. These include six electric SUV-crossovers, one SUV double cabin and two motorcycles. Officials added that static deployment of personnel remains in place at the green belts of the Expressway near Kuri Road, Dhoke Kala Khan and Koral.

Wrong parking hotspots

According to police officials, 625 vehicles were impounded in connection with wrong parking during the last 30 days, in addition to the 10,241 tickets issued for the offence. During the last week, 238 drivers were caught over wrong parking and 83 vehicles were impounded.

The areas with the highest incidence of wrong parking were F-6, F-7, F-10, F-11, G-9, I-8 and Blue Area, the officials said.