The Punjab government could soon be increasing fines for traffic violations from a mere Rs500 to a whopping Rs20,000, registering a hike of 3900%.

 

According to a City42 report, a summary proposing the hike – which would only be applicable to bigger vehicles – has entered the final stages of approval.

 

While it has already received an initial nod from the provincial finance ministry among other departments, the summary will now be presented before the cabinet for a final approval.

 

Bigger vehicles, reports said, have been defined as upwards of 1800cc.

 

It may be noted that a meeting in May this year, chaired by Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Maryam Nawaz, had discussed a tenfold hike in fines to enforce road discipline across the province.

 

It was also decided that in cases involving underage drivers, the parents or guardians will be held accountable, with criminal cases registered against them.

 

The provincial chief executive had in the meeting directed officials to take strict legal action, including FIRs, against one-wheeling and dangerous driving. She had also ordered immediate removal of obstructions on major roads, particularly Bedian Road among others.

 

The re-modelling of 372 traffic points in Punjab and 77 in Lahore to ease traffic congestion was also discussed.

 

CM Maryam had also approved the installation of digital roadside screens to provide advance traffic jam alerts to commuters. A consensus was also reached on imposing hefty fines for mobile phone use while driving.

 

A proposal to change the uniform of traffic police was also reviewed.