The federal government has decided to use modern cameras and artificial intelligence to monitor traffic violations on Pakistan’s motorways as part of a broader effort to strengthen axle load control and improve road safety.
Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan directed authorities to remove legal and operational hurdles in the National Highway Authority’s (NHA) axle load control framework within one week.
He issued the directives while chairing a meeting on the implementation of the axle load control regime.
AI cameras to monitor traffic violations
The minister directed authorities to introduce modern camera systems on motorways and use artificial intelligence to identify vehicles violating traffic and weight regulations.
The move is aimed at improving enforcement and reducing reliance on manual monitoring of vehicles travelling on major highways.
Officials informed the meeting that around 30,000 axle load violations had been recorded during the past six months, highlighting the scale of the problem facing road infrastructure and enforcement authorities.
Weigh stations to become mandatory
Abdul Aleem Khan also directed authorities to make it mandatory for freight vehicles to pass through designated weigh stations.
He ordered the complete automation of the weigh station system to improve monitoring and ensure that overloaded vehicles are identified before they can cause damage to roads and bridges.
The minister further directed officials to establish weigh stations on GT Roads similar to the facilities already operating on motorways.
The government also plans to provide transporters with clear guidance regarding permissible vehicle structures and weight limits so that operators can comply with the rules.
Factories loading excessive weight to face fines
Khan instructed authorities to identify factories and other facilities responsible for loading excessive weight onto trucks.
Such entities will be subject to fines under the enforcement framework.
The government’s approach is intended to address overloading at its source rather than relying solely on action against transporters after vehicles enter highways.
New weigh station planned in Sangjani
Officials told the meeting that work on a modern model weigh station in Sangjani would soon be completed.
The facility is being developed according to international standards and is expected to serve as a model for the modernization of weigh stations across the country.
The development of automated weigh stations is expected to improve the accuracy and efficiency of axle load monitoring while reducing opportunities for manual intervention.
Minister to inspect motorway locations
Abdul Aleem Khan also decided to personally visit 10 locations on the motorways to review the implementation of the axle load control regime.
The visits will allow the minister to assess enforcement arrangements and identify operational issues affecting the system.
The government is now working to remove existing legal and operational hurdles within the one-week deadline set by the minister.
The introduction of AI-powered monitoring, automated weigh stations and stricter action against overloaded vehicles is expected to strengthen enforcement and help protect Pakistan’s motorway and highway infrastructure.
