Lahore to Suspend Driving Licenses of Owners of Smoke-Emitting Vehicles

Lahore Traffic Police have decided to suspend the driving licences of owners of smoke-emitting vehicles as part of an intensified anti-smog campaign.

The crackdown is being carried out on the instructions of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb.

Chief Traffic Officer Lahore Syed Abdul Rahim Shirazi said authorities would also suspend the route permits of commercial vehicles involved in serious violations.

He said strict enforcement was necessary to protect public health and road safety.

Entry Ban on Uncovered Dumpers and Trolleys

The CTO said tractor-trolleys and dumpers carrying sand, soil or similar material without protective covers would not be allowed to enter Lahore.

Police are registering cases against violators.

He added that vehicles transporting such material must use tarpaulins and follow other required safety measures, including water spraying where necessary.

More Than 114,000 Smoky Vehicles Fined

During the current financial year, traffic police issued challan tickets to 114,378 smoke-emitting vehicles.

Authorities also registered 1,401 cases during the anti-smog enforcement campaign.

In addition, police took action against 53,599 vehicles carrying sand, soil or other pollution-causing material without proper covers.

Officials also penalised 188,374 unfit and poorly maintained vehicles.

Crackdown Expanded to Mining Sites

Traffic police have launched special operations at soil, sand and mining sites.

The CTO said tractor-trolleys would not be allowed on roads without tarpaulins, water arrangements and other safety precautions.

All traffic DSPs have been directed to conduct special checks at Lahore’s entry and exit points.

AI System Being Used to Identify Polluting Vehicles

Lahore Traffic Police are also using an artificial intelligence-based system to identify and issue fines to smoke-emitting vehicles.

Authorities have sent letters to several government and semi-government institutions, asking them to repair polluting vehicles in their fleets.

The CTO said traffic police would continue following a zero-tolerance policy against vehicles that contribute to air pollution.