In a significant move aimed at enhancing road safety, the Lahore High Court (LHC) has ordered a fine of 5000 rupees to be imposed on individuals who fail to wear helmets while riding motorcycles.
The court issued this directive during a hearing conducted by Justice Shahid Karim in response to petitions filed against the prevailing smog situation in the city.
During the hearing, Justice Shahid Karim instructed the traffic police to establish regulations regarding helmet usage. The court emphasized that it would subsequently issue an official order to enforce the implementation of these rules.
The court expressed its discontent over the traffic wardens causing disruptions in Lahore’s streets.
The court also directed the traffic police and the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) to organize a cycling event at the bustling Main Boulevard in Lahore’s Gulberg area.
Expressing frustration over the actions of traffic wardens, the court admonished the practice of obstructing traffic flow in the city.
The court firmly stated that traffic violators should be fined automatically, without causing unnecessary traffic congestion.
It further recommended a ten-day awareness campaign through advertisements, urging citizens to prioritize their safety by wearing helmets.
Moreover, the Lahore High Court expressed deep dissatisfaction with the standing rainwater in the CBD underpass. Citing the underpass’s inability to withstand even the first rainfall, the court demanded an explanation from the Chief Engineer of the LDA.
Few days ago,
In a determined effort to ensure the safety of motorcycle riders and reduce the number of head injuries, Lahore City Traffic Police has again started taking some important and decisive steps including implementing a strict crackdown on riders without helmets.
This move comes as part of the city’s ambitious plan to transform Lahore into an accident-free city. With valuable lives at stake, the authorities have left no stone unturned in enforcing the helmet rule during the recent six-month crackdown.
The Crackdown
To emphasize the importance of protecting precious lives, access to all major roads, including Mall Road, Canal Road, and Jail Road, has been restricted for motorcycle riders without helmets. They are prohibited from entering any significant and busy thoroughfare. By implementing this measure, the authorities have taken a significant stride towards making Lahore a safer city for all road users.
During the last six-month period, a staggering 810,000 cases were registered against motorcycle riders without helmets. This stern crackdown on violators has yielded visible results, leading to a substantial decrease in head injury cases.
Captain (R) Masoon Feroz, the Chief Traffic Officer of Lahore, believes that wearing a helmet is not only a legal obligation but also an essential step to safeguard valuable lives. By strictly enforcing the helmet rule, the authorities aim to create awareness and instill a culture of responsible riding. Also, it is crucial for riders to understand that wearing a helmet is a non-negotiable aspect of motorcycle safety.
A heartening development is the commendable response from citizens on Mall Road, where 95% of the city’s residents have embraced the mandatory helmet rule. This positive attitude towards road safety demonstrates a collective responsibility to protect lives and abide by the law. Encouraged by this success, the authorities plan to replicate these results on other roads throughout the city.
