LHC orders implementation of traffic rules

Says use of helmets should be ensured to decrease number of accidents

LAHORE: Lahore High Court Justice Ali Akbar Qureshi sought a report from City Traffic Officers (CTOs) and other relevant officials of all 36 districts of the province. He ordered them to ensure the implementation of traffic rules and ensure that motorcyclists across the province are wearing helmets at all times.

Qureshi commenced proceedings on an application seeking the strict implementation of a court order on the wearing of helmets by motorcyclists.

The petitioner's counsel contended that the number of road accidents had declined after the clear direction to citizens to follow traffic rules. He told the court that the implementation of these laws and compulsion of wearing helmets is a must to decrease the number of road accidents.



Justice Qureshi said the implementation of traffic rules should be ensured. He added that cases of head injuries had also decreased by 70%. The judge sought a report from the health secretary over the ratio of accidents after the use of helmets. The proceedings were adjourned until next week.

In earlier proceedings, Justice Qureshi ordered the Punjab inspector general of police to strictly implement the wearing of helmets in the province.

Justice Qureshi issued the order on a petition filed by Advocate Syed Kamal Haider.

The lawyer contended that a report by the World Health Organisation (WHO) revealed that 25.3 deaths per 100,000 occur in Pakistan due to road accidents, which was much higher than the international average.

As per the WHO factsheet of 2011, more than 90% of world mortalities on roads occur in low and middle-income countries.

The lawyer requested the court to order police to implement all traffic laws, including the wearing of helmets by motorcyclists. He also said the government should be directed to fix prices of helmets so that profiteers could not fleece the public.

He had pleaded that the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) should also be ordered to launch an awareness campaign on mainstream and social media about traffic laws.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 3^rd, 2018.