Faisalabad launches e-challan system

Automatic fines to be issued through 1,400+ Safe City cameras

FAISALABAD:

The traffic police, in collaboration with the Safe City Authority, has officially launched the long-awaited e-challan system to automatically penalise traffic violators through an advanced network of surveillance cameras.

Addressing a joint press conference at the Safe City office, SSP Safe City Malik Tariq Mahboob and Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Nisar Javed Rana announced that the digital challan system had gone live at midnight on November 6, after the resolution of earlier technical issues.

Under the new initiative, traffic violations captured by 1,430 Safe City cameras and an additional 495 monitoring cameras across Faisalabad will automatically generate electronic challans. These challans will be dispatched directly to the violators' registered home addresses.

The system uses AI-based technology to identify offenses such as signal violations, lane cutting, speeding, failure to wear helmets, and not fastening seat belts.

"Anyone passing through a Safe City camera without wearing a helmet or seat belt will be fined automatically," said SSP Malik Tariq. "Our aim is not to impose fines but to promote a culture of road safety."

He further advised citizens to ensure their vehicle registration details are up to date.

"If you've sold your car or motorcycle, transfer it to the buyer's name immediately, otherwise, you will continue to receive e-challans," he added.

The SSP said that citizens can review or contest a challan via the official Safe City website, where a "review" option is available. Faisalabad currently has Safe City camera coverage across 27 police stations, contributing to an 80% reduction in crime in monitored areas, he added.

CTO Nisar Javed Rana said the launch marks "a new phase in traffic management," combining enforcement with technology.

He noted that 75% of road accidents involve motorcyclists, often due to not wearing helmets.

"From now on, motorcyclists without helmets will face a fine of Rs2,000, while car drivers not wearing seat belts will be fined Rs500," he said.

He emphasised that preventing accidents, not collecting fines, remains the primary goal.

"Each life lost in a traffic crash affects an entire family. Awareness and discipline can prevent such tragedies," he remarked.

The Safe City project also integrates traffic signal cameras and 4G private cameras to expand surveillance coverage.

Citizens can link their personal security cameras with the Safe City network to assist in monitoring.