NHMP launches campaign against overloading, overcharging

DIG Central Zone directs officials to take strict action against such public service vehicles

LAHORE: The National Highways and Motorway Police (NHMP) has launched an enforcement campaign, in order to control overcharging and overloading in public service vehicles, on the eve of Eidul Fitr, said DIG Central Zone Ahmed Arsalan Malik.

He expressed these views while reviewing the ongoing campaign against overcharging in buses on national highways near Thokar Niaz Baig.

The DIG directed patrolling officers to take strict action against public service vehicles which were overcharging and overloading. “Passengers will be questioned about the fares they have been charged. If they are being charged more money than normal, they will be reimbursed. There will be zero tolerance in this regard, while vehicles carrying extra passengers will not be allowed to travel on highways.”



Malik also directed the sector and beat commanders to personally supervise the patrolling officers and conduct meetings with the transporter’s association. “We will also coordinate with the Regional Transport Authority (RTA) secretary in order to enforce rules against overcharging in public service vehicles.”

The DIG asked passengers to cooperate with the motorways police. He also urged citizens to call on the helpline 130 to report incidents of overcharging and if transporters are misbehaving with them.

He directed officials to ensure the smooth flow of traffic on the motorways so that citizens are able to reach their homes safely and in time for Eid. He also issued directives for deploying special squads in order to curb crime during the holidays as most citizens are carrying valuables while travelling on the highways.

Malik asked staff to visit various bus terminals to warn transporters of strict action for overcharging and overloading. In addition to this, banners bearing messages of consequences should also be put up in bus terminals, he added.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 13^th, 2018.