E-challaning system set to launch in Punjab

PSCA COO says approximately 90 locations around Lahore under surveillance

LAHORE: Punjab Safe Cities Authority (PSCA) had formally announced that it will launch an e-challaning system.

PSCA COO Akbar Nasir Khan made the announcement during a press conference at Qurban Lines. The conference focused on the PSCA and City Traffic Police Lahore’s (CTPL) initiative, while also discussing the scope of the project, the purpose behind it as well as clarification of a few misconceptions that had cropped up.

Khan said that the initiative was in total compliance with the Motor Vehicle Ordinance and its predefined penalty grid.

“Around 90 locations across Lahore are under surveillance. The cameras will record traffic violations automatically after which the footage will be scrutinised manually by police communication officers at the Electronic Ticketing Centre (ETC),” he explained.

After the challans have been validated, they are vetted once again and are double checked by CTPL officials who will verify the integrity of the recorded footage. Only then will ETC dispatch the e-challan via post along with four pictures outlining the phases of the violation, he elaborated.

For the ease of the public, the deadline for the fines issued during the first phase has been extended till October 12. Citizens can pay their fines at all Bank of Punjab branches across the province, he added.

During the press conference, the COO revealed that around 5,000 traffic violations were recorded as a result of the e-challans. By late night, this mechanism was limited to main roads which boasted a heavy traffic flow, he clarified.

He added that frequent violators will be blacklisted and will be dealt with sternly.

Commenting on the integrity of the data provided and maintained by the Excise and Taxation Department, he said that up to 80% of it had been fixed by the department. Arrangements are underway for the acquisition of data pertaining to the rest of the province since the fine was initially applicable to all vehicles registered in Punjab, he maintained.

For more information citizens can call the 15 helpline or visit the authority’s social media handles, he concluded.