The Sindh government has introduced a speed limit of 30 kilometres per hour (km/h) for heavy transport vehicles (HTVs) in Karachi, in an effort to address the city’s growing traffic concerns, Express News reported on Tuesday.
The decision comes as part of a comprehensive strategy aimed at improving road safety and enforcing stricter regulations on vehicles.
A high-level meeting chaired by Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah was held in Karachi to discuss pressing traffic issues.
The meeting included key provincial ministers, the Mayor of Karachi, and senior police officials. During the discussions, several important decisions were made, including mandatory installation of trackers and dash cams in all heavy, light, and public service vehicles.
The Chief Minister emphasised that all vehicles, both heavy and light, must install under-run protection devices, and water tankers must not operate without the proper fittings.
He warned that fitness certificates of vehicles lacking these protections would be revoked, and non-compliant vehicles would be seized. Future permits for such vehicles would only be granted upon departmental approval.
To streamline traffic management, the government also announced the introduction of a ticketing system that will be fully automated and cashless.
The transport, excise, licensing, traffic police, and NADRA departments will be interconnected for improved coordination.
Furthermore, the Chief Minister ordered a revamp of the Traffic Engineering Bureau and its integration under the Mayor of Karachi’s administration.
In a bid to ensure road safety, the government will also require international standard training before issuing driving licenses and will introduce a demerit point system for license holders.
A crackdown will also be launched against illegal number plates, tinted windows, unauthorised sirens, and unsafe motorcycles.
Addressing the issue of road accidents, the Chief Minister expressed his concern over the rising number of fatalities and injuries in the city.
He urged traffic and district police to collaborate to reduce road accidents, highlighting the importance of protecting human lives.
During the briefing, Karachi's Inspector General of Police shared that in 2024, over 1.6 million traffic violations were recorded, with a total of Rs 133.6 million collected in fines.
He also reported that 512,190 vehicles were targeted in operations, and 11,287 drivers were arrested.
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