Reckless drivers can’t run away, warns IGP

The Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) has launched a chip embedded driving licence which is the first of its type in Pakistan, said Islamabad Police IG Qazi Jamilur Rehman on Friday.

The driving licences of traffic rules’ violators would be suspended under a penalty point system, which is on the anvil, IG Rehman told a news conference. He said each driving licence holder would be awarded 10 points and their deduction would start on commission of various traffic violations. He said if a driver loses 10 points, his licence would be suspended.

The planned speed and surveillance cameras and the chip-based licences will help in implementing the tech-based penalty system, the police chief said.

The initiative was meant to curb traffic rules’ violation at the federal capital’s roads. He said police are using modern technology, like the installation of speed cameras on highways to prevent overspeeding and accidents, to make roads safer.

He told the media that the traffic police have launched an online appointment system for people seeking a driving licence so that the candidates would not have to wait in long queues. Elaborating on the performance of the traffic police, he said that Islamabad Traffic Police issued 187,586 challans during the first three months of this year to ensure compliance with traffic rules.

Patrolling plan IG Rehman said that the police are now in the process of implementing the new strategy on the level of enforcement and equality of law. As per plans, special teams will be patrolling the roads connecting the highways and sectors. In addition to normal duties for traffic management, patrol teams consisting of 211 officers with 52 motorcycles and 44 vehicles will be working in two shifts.

Special Public Sector Vehicles (PSV) Squads will be stationed at Faizabad, Pir Wadhai, Bhara Kahu, Aabpara, Islamabad Chowk and Karachi Company. The squads will ensure continuous patrolling on highways and maintain traffic discipline.

Besides, the Eagle Eye team will report violations to the nearest enforcement unit through secret monitoring so that effective action is taken. The Quick Response Team has been formed to solve traffic problems in lanes and parking and take control during rush hours. The 1915 Helpline Unit has been activated for public assistance in case of any emergency breakdown of vehicles.

To reduce environmental pollution, fitness scouts have been set up with MVOs and route checking has been made mandatory. The patrolling campaign will be started with 12 vehicles and 14 bikes. The purpose is not to challan people but to make them aware of the traffic rules.

There are some legal loopholes in implementing e-challan technology, especially with regards to public service vehicles. In this regard, a separate squad must be formed to check violations of public service vehicles in collaboration with the environment department.

In addition, 13-speed cameras would be installed all over the city to ensure the implementation of traffic rules.

The aim of the use of technology is to save lives, ensure speed controls and make people aware of traffic rules, he said.