CTO calls for public transport over luxury vehicles

Suggests higher fines for violators, more women on bikes

LAHORE:

Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Lahore has emphasised the need to discourage the use of luxury vehicles and promote public transport to ease traffic congestion in the city.

He proposed increasing taxes on vehicle fitness certificates as part of efforts to regulate traffic flow and reduce environmental pollution.

The CTO made these remarks while updating Lahore High Court's (LHC) Justice Shahid Karim during a hearing on multiple petitions related to smog control, environmental pollution, and groundwater conservation.

During the proceedings, the CTO revealed that nearly 50% of motorists in Lahore do not possess valid driving licenses.

To address this, a specific day has been designated for license issuance.

He also highlighted the impact of helmet enforcement for motorcyclists, stating that mandatory helmet use had reduced the motorcycle-related death toll by 26%.

Discussing the overuse of private vehicles, he pointed out that many households own multiple cars, contributing to road congestion.

"If a household has five members, there are often five vehicles, as people prefer not to use public transport," he noted.

He urged authorities to implement policies discouraging luxury vehicle use and encouraging public transportation.

The CTO further proposed increasing fines for traffic violations, particularly for luxury vehicle owners who often consider themselves above the law. Additionally, he outlined measures to curb traffic violations by loader rickshaws, including making helmet use mandatory for their drivers.

He assured the court that traffic issues in Lahore's twelve major markets would be addressed within a month.

Justice Karim acknowledged the recommendations and stated that the court would issue orders based on the proposals presented.

The CTO also recommended granting a Rs10,000 risk allowance to traffic wardens, citing the dangers they face on duty.