Punjab Issues New Traffic Rules to Decrease Accidents

As smog continues to grip Punjab, especially Lahore, the provincial government has issued strict directives to traffic and law enforcement authorities to tackle the worsening air quality and ensure safer travel during the winter months.

Punjab Police reported 22 cases registered during the ongoing crackdown, with 1,539 people fined Rs. 3 million and 53 warned. Authorities also recorded 1,317 violations by smoke-emitting vehicles, 8 from industries, and 14 from brick kilns. A total of 82,601 violations have led to over Rs. 210 million in fines.

DIG Traffic Punjab, Waqas Nazir, has formally instructed all Chief Traffic Officers (CTOs) and District Traffic Officers (DTOs) to enforce new measures aimed at curbing air pollution. In an official letter, he emphasized that action will be taken against vehicles emitting excessive smoke.

To ensure strict monitoring, joint teams of the traffic police, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the transport department will be established.

DIG Nazir urged all drivers to maintain vehicle lights and mirrors and warned of zero tolerance against smog SOP violations.

DIG Traffic Punjab stressed the importance of vehicle maintenance, especially the condition of rear lights, indicators, and mirrors during the fog season. He urged officials to intensify anti-smog operations on highways, near industrial zones, and in agricultural areas. He reiterated the adoption of a zero-tolerance policy against violations of smog-related Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to control pollution levels.