Indiscriminate action : Three MNAs, 18 army officers fined for traffic violations: SSP

ISLAMABAD:

The Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) has issued over 0.5 million tickets to traffic rules violators this year so far. The total fine amounted to Rs150.216 million.

SSP (traffic) Malik Matloob Ahmed said 18 army officers, three MNAs, and a legal advisor to the prime minister were among those fined for traffic violations. “We take indiscriminate action against violators,” he said.

Ahmed said the purpose of issuing tickets was not generating revenue but to protect live and property of road users.

The traffic officials revealed that 500,981 tickets have so far been issued since January 1, 2015, for violations ranging from not fastening seatbelt to using mobile phones while driving, and jumping the traffic signals to motorcyclists not wearing a helmet.

The traffic police not only impose fines, but also provide mechanical and technical help to riad users. A total of 7,595 people were provided mechanical, technical and pick-and- drop assistance during the period.

Ahmed said ITP were trying their best to control road traffic accidents in the capital. He said refresher courses were being conducted for traffic wardens on a regular basis.

The SSP said they had taken action against nine traffic officials after receiving public complaints against them.

Most tickets were issued to motorcyclists not wearing a helmet, followed by those not fastening seat belts, using mobile phones while driving, underage driving, and for jumping traffic signals.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 24^th, 2015.