Public anger grows over increased traffic fines

The city traffic police (CTP) have significantly increased fines for traffic violations, prompting widespread public anger and frustration across the city.

Citizens complain that the government has turned traffic tickets into a steady source of revenue, with formal revenue targets now reportedly being assigned for traffic challans.

New fines include Rs2,000 for not wearing a helmet, Rs2,000 to Rs5,000 for illegal parking, Rs500 for entering a no-entry zone, Rs2,000 for carrying three people on a motorcycle, Rs5,000 for wearing a plastic helmet, Rs1,000 for violating traffic signals, Rs2,000 for driving the wrong way, and Rs2,000 for driving without a license.

Meanwhile, citizens argue that many city roads are in disrepair, riddled with potholes, yet no authority is held accountable. Faulty traffic signals go unattended, roads are dug up and left unrepaired, political banners and flex signs clutter the streets, footpaths are encroached upon, and many areas lack street lighting at night. Prolonged traffic jams are a daily occurrence.

Residents have strongly condemned the harsh fine structure, claiming it treats citizens as criminals whose only role is to pay penalties. "It feels like we exist just to be fined," one citizen lamented.

Malik Asad Mehmood, the general secretary of the District Bar Association, criticised the system, saying: "The maximum fine should not exceed Rs500. For motorcyclists, it should be Rs200 to Rs300."