KARACHI: In an intensified effort to reduce traffic violations and improve road safety, the Karachi traffic police have launched a rigorous crackdown on vehicles flouting traffic laws, following directives from Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah.
Since April 9, authorities have detained 31,677 motorbikes and taken action against 2,719 vehicles for infractions such as using fancy number plates and tinted windows. Additionally, 515 Heavy and Light Traffic Vehicles (HTVs/LTVs) have been impounded. In a move to further enforce compliance, 25 vehicle registrations have been recommended for cancellation, and 491 registrations are under consideration for temporary suspension with conditional release.
A targeted operation against Qingqi rickshaws, initiated on April 16, has led to 104 FIRs under Section 188 PPC, 33 FIRs under Section 341 PPC, and one FIR for rash driving. This has resulted in the seizure of 311 rickshaws, marking them as court property and the arrest of 311 drivers. Furthermore, authorities have issued 7,069 fine tickets and seized 32 illegal LPG/CNG kits.
In a significant development to prevent heavy traffic accidents, the Sindh government is making strides in implementing a policy that mandates GPS trackers for heavy vehicles such as dumpers and water tankers. As of May 4, 3,391 water tankers in the city have been outfitted with GPS trackers, along with 28 dumpers, 82 oil tankers, 214 passenger buses, and 214 small trucks. The system also now monitors 2,763 large trucks and 137 trailers.
The Chief Minister emphasized that the installation of GPS trackers will aid in better monitoring and management of heavy vehicle movements, potentially reducing accidents on the heavily congested roads of Karachi.
The Chief Minister has reiterated the government’s commitment to enforcing road safety regulations and urged all vehicle owners to adhere to legal requirements. The crackdown and safety enforcement measures are anticipated to continue with heightened vigilance in the coming weeks.
Source: Chief Minister’s Secretariat