Lahore traffic police to crackdown on underage drivers

The traffic police of Lahore have decided to initiate a massive crackdown against underage drivers. As per the officials of the Lahore traffic police, a two day crackdown will be launched targeting motorists violating traffic laws, underage drivers, unlicensed motorists and motorcyclists riding without helmets. The city's traffic police have announced general hold-ups for Saturday and Sunday to check violations, including driving on the wrong side of one-way roads and carrying more than two people on a motorcycle. Lahore Chief Traffic Officer Syed Abdul Rahim Sherazi said vehicles and motorcycles driven by underage individuals would be impounded and their owners or riders issued challans. However, motorcycles would be released if an underage rider presented a valid juvenile driving permit, according to the traffic police. Motorists caught driving without a valid licence will face fines of Rs5,000 for cars and Rs2,000 for motorcycles, officials said. Vehicles may also be impounded. The CTO clarified that a learner's permit does not authorise a person to drive a vehicle under the circumstances covered by the enforcement drive. Traffic police also warned that motorists violating one-way traffic rules would initially be issued challans, while repeat offenders could face criminal cases. The campaign will focus on underage individuals driving cars, riding motorcycles and using rickshaws on city roads. Motorcyclists carrying three people on a single motorcycle will also face action as part of the crackdown. In a separate measure, traffic police will conduct special checks outside driving licence offices, where citizens will be facilitated in obtaining motorcycle driving licences. Mr Sherazi has directed circle officers to supervise the enforcement campaign and ensure that the measures are implemented across Lahore. The crackdown is aimed at improving road safety and ensuring compliance with traffic regulations.