Rawalpindi is gearing up to improve its traffic regulation with the rollout of an e-challan system scheduled to commence on January 1, 2025. Spearheaded by the City Traffic Police (CTP), this project will employ Safe City cameras to observe traffic offenses on major thoroughfares and key urban locations. Violators will be sent penalty notifications directly to their mobile devices as well as via postal service to their homes.
As part of the Safe City program, cameras have been placed in vital areas, including COD Chowk, Liaquat Bagh, Raja Bazaar, Chandni Chowk, Jinnah Park, and Faizabad Metro Station. These cameras operate incessantly, capturing traffic infringements and criminal acts at all times. The monitoring activities are managed by the Punjab Safe City Authority (PSCA) from its control center situated at Jinnah Park.
Powers to issue fines will be applied for various traffic offenses, such as motorcyclists riding without protective helmets, utilizing incorrect number plates, and neglecting to wear seat belts. For example, those motorcyclists not wearing helmets will incur a fine of Rs. 1,500, while individuals with faulty number plates may face a charge of Rs. 2,000. Moreover, should children be caught operating motorcycles, FIRs might be filed against their guardians. Other violations that will attract fines include speeding, driving contrary to traffic direction, and passengers failing to buckle up.
The e-challan system aims to bolster adherence to traffic regulations and decrease arguments over fines by providing photographic proof of each violation. Officials are optimistic that this approach will diminish grievances related to unfair fines and enhance overall transparency. Once the system is fully functional, the Safe City initiative intends to broaden its scope to encompass a wider array of traffic infractions on major highways, with the goal of minimizing road accident occurrences.
Image Source: Sombat Muycheen / Shutterstock
