The Lahore Traffic Police have announced stricter measures against vehicles that contribute to air pollution as part of an expanded anti-smog campaign. Under the new policy, the driving licences of owners of smoke-emitting vehicles will be suspended to improve air quality and protect public health.
The campaign is being carried out under the directives of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb. Officials say the crackdown is aimed at reducing pollution levels and ensuring safer roads across the city.
Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Syed Abdul Rahim Shirazi said authorities will also suspend the route permits of commercial vehicles found committing serious environmental violations. He stressed that strict enforcement is necessary to discourage polluting vehicles from operating on Lahore’s roads.
As part of the campaign, tractor-trolleys and dumpers transporting sand, soil, or similar materials without proper covers will not be allowed to enter the city. Police have already started registering cases against drivers who violate these regulations. Transporters have been instructed to use tarpaulins to cover their loads and follow additional safety measures, including water spraying where required, to prevent dust pollution.
During the current financial year, traffic police issued 114,378 challans to smoke-emitting vehicles. Authorities also registered 1,401 legal cases as part of the anti-smog drive. Additionally, action was taken against 53,599 vehicles carrying construction materials without protective covers, while 188,374 unfit and poorly maintained vehicles were also penalized.
The enforcement campaign has now been extended to sand, soil, and mining sites. Traffic police have launched special inspections to ensure tractor-trolleys comply with environmental regulations before entering city roads. All Traffic DSPs have also been directed to strengthen monitoring at Lahore’s entry and exit points.
To improve enforcement, Lahore Traffic Police are using an artificial intelligence (AI)-based system to identify smoke-emitting vehicles and issue fines automatically. Authorities have also asked government and semi-government departments to repair polluting vehicles in their fleets. Officials say the zero-tolerance policy against air-polluting vehicles will continue as part of Lahore’s broader efforts to combat smog.
In another news, read more about Crackdown Launched Against Smoke-Emitting Vehicles
