Cut in traffic fines gets assembly's nod

LAHORE:

The Punjab Assembly (PA) on Wednesday passed a key bill to reduce traffic fines across multiple vehicle categories, while also approving several other pieces of legislation.

However, the session was marked by a heated debate over the issuance of bounced aid cheques to minority communities, drawing criticism from both treasury and opposition benches.

Under the amended Motor Vehicles law, fines for motorcycles have been reduced from Rs2,000 to Rs1,000 for certain violations, with the maximum penalty capped at Rs2,000.

Similarly, fines for rickshaws have been lowered from Rs3,000 to Rs1,000 for minor offences, while serious violations will now attract a fine of up to Rs2,000.

For cars and jeeps, penalties for selected violations have been reduced from Rs5,000 to Rs2,000, although fines for over-speeding remain unchanged.

Vehicles above 2000cc will now face a maximum fine of Rs10,000, down from Rs20,000.

Public transport vehicles, including buses, coasters and light vans, will be fined up to Rs7,000 instead of the previous Rs20,000, while heavy vehicles such as trucks and buses will see their maximum fines reduced from Rs20,000 to Rs10,000.

The bill will come into force after final approval by the governor.

The session, chaired by Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan, commenced after a delay of more than two hours. During the proceedings, the House also passed seven other bills, covering amendments related to social security, public sector universities, stamp laws, the Punjab Forensic Science Authority, as well as protected areas and forests.