Lahore, a motorcycle rider, was fined Rs. 55,200 for multiple traffic violations, and the irony was that his fine was almost equivalent to the value of his motorcycle.
The fines summed up through instances of violations, including 24 challans due to not wearing a helmet, each with a value of Rs.2,000. Not just that, the rider was penalized for nine violations related to lane crossings, breaking signals, and sign infringement.
Lahore’s Chief Traffic Officer confirmed that e-challans are issued for several traffic offenses, including violations reported by the city’s AI-powered enforcement system, to the ride; the CTO also said that the actions were taken relatively and swiftly.
Punjab Traffic Police and AI
On July 22, 2024, the Punjab Traffic Police issued hundreds of electronic challans to owners of smoke-emitting vehicles. This action was done by AI-powered cameras installed under the Safe City project, which capture images and videos of violating vehicles. The collected evidence is then attached to the e-challans, a practice that is standard in many developed countries.
Senior Punjab Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb mentioned that this technology approach is transforming traffic policing in the province. She told that modern technology is powering environmental protection and the enforcement of traffic laws. Aurangzeb stated, “Phase-wise, a modern electronic traffic policing system will be implemented in every city of Punjab. With the cooperation of citizens, Punjab will become an ideal smoke-free province with modern policing, God willing.”
This initiative falls under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s vision is to improve technology for governance and public welfare. The government is also focusing on technical education to support such technological advancements. In a related development, CM Maryam chaired a meeting to finalize the Technical Education and Vocational Training Authority (TEVTA), the need for innovation in technical training courses to drive economic growth and reduce unemployment.
She directed that advanced courses to be introduced in TEVTA institutes, covering areas such as building, textiles, garments, tourism, hospitality, information communication technology, automobile assembly and repair, food processing, biomedical technology, light engineering, renewable energy, and surgical instruments.
