Lahore traffic police said they will impose tougher rules to curb road accidents, including withdrawing vehicle route permits together with driving licences for drivers found responsible for fatal crashes.
Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Lahore Abdul Rahim Sherazi noted that heavy and commercial vehicles make up only 4% of total traffic but are linked to 44% of road accidents.
The CTO reported that licences of 117 drivers involved in accidents have been suspended this year, and letters have been sent to suspend the route permits of 97 public service vehicles.
Sherazi explained that officials will suspend drivers' licences after each fatal or serious non-fatal accident, provided a court order is obtained. Removing a vehicle's route permit will stop other drivers from using the same vehicle, and drivers responsible for fatal accidents will also face legal action.
Drivers caught operating vehicles while their licences are suspended will be prosecuted, and licences for reckless driving may stay suspended for six months to three years. The CTO added that Lahore traffic police will also suspend licences of drivers whose vehicles add to smog, reaffirming a zero-tolerance stance on irresponsible driving.
