By Our Correspondent
LAHORE – Lahore Traffic Police has announced a citywide enforcement campaign against underage drivers, motorists without valid driving licences and motorcycle riders involved in triple riding, as authorities step up efforts to improve road safety and reduce traffic accidents across the provincial capital.
The special operation will be conducted on Sunday, when roads are typically busier due to families and young people travelling for recreation and shopping. Officials said additional traffic wardens will be deployed at major intersections, commercial centres, educational institutions, parks and other busy locations to ensure strict implementation of traffic laws.
Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Abdul Rahim Shirazi said the campaign is aimed at preventing accidents caused by inexperienced and unlicensed drivers, particularly minors who frequently take motorcycles, cars and rickshaws onto public roads during weekends and holidays.
He warned that underage drivers found operating any vehicle would not only receive traffic challans but would also have their vehicles impounded immediately.
According to the CTO, seized vehicles will only be released after legal requirements are fulfilled, including the presentation of a valid Juvenile Permit or other documents required under the law.
Shirazi said road safety remains the department’s top priority, adding that parents must take responsibility for ensuring children below the legal driving age do not operate vehicles.
He urged families not to hand over motorcycles or cars to minors, saying such practices place both the young drivers and other road users at serious risk.
Traffic police officials said the operation will also focus on motorists driving without valid licences.
Drivers unable to produce a legal driving licence during inspection will face legal action under traffic regulations. Authorities said licensed drivers are generally more aware of road rules and safety practices, making enforcement essential for reducing traffic violations.
Another major focus of the campaign will be triple riding on motorcycles, a common traffic offence that significantly increases the risk of serious accidents.
Officials said riders carrying more than one passenger will be fined, while repeated violators may face additional legal action under traffic laws.
The department has appealed to citizens to cooperate with traffic wardens and follow road regulations to ensure safer travel during the weekend.
Traffic police said awareness campaigns would continue alongside enforcement measures to educate motorists about responsible driving practices.
Officials noted that reducing road accidents requires both strict enforcement and greater public awareness regarding traffic laws.
The campaign comes as authorities across Pakistan continue introducing measures to improve urban traffic management and road safety.
In Karachi, traffic authorities have also announced plans to introduce significant transport reforms, including restricting the operation of non-metered rickshaws under a proposed policy aimed at improving traffic flow.
Karachi Traffic Police have additionally expanded their electronic ticketing system under the Safe City project to improve enforcement and reduce manual traffic violations.
Officials in Karachi say the technology-based system has improved monitoring of traffic offences while helping authorities manage congestion on major roads.
Meanwhile, Lahore Traffic Police believe stronger enforcement against underage driving, unlicensed motorists and dangerous riding practices will contribute to reducing road accidents in the city.
According to officials, many serious traffic incidents involve inexperienced drivers who lack proper training and understanding of road regulations.
The department has advised motorists to carry valid driving licences, registration documents and other required papers while travelling, particularly during the enforcement campaign.
Motorcycle riders have also been reminded to wear protective helmets, avoid triple riding and obey lane discipline to ensure their own safety as well as that of other road users.
Traffic authorities reiterated that the campaign is intended not merely to issue fines but to encourage responsible driving habits and create a safer road environment for all citizens.
Officials expressed hope that strict enforcement, combined with public cooperation, would help reduce traffic violations, prevent avoidable accidents and promote a stronger culture of road safety throughout Lahore.
