Traffic Police Fails to Curb Lahore’s Pollution Crisis Despite Rs 120M Fines
APP
Lahore: Despite imposing fines exceeding Rs 120 million on over 64,000 smoke-emitting vehicles this year, Lahore’s air quality crisis persists, raising questions about the effectiveness of the traffic police’s anti-smog measures.
According to officials, the crackdown targeted vehicles emitting harmful pollutants, including 12,000 trucks and carriers transporting sand and dirt without proper coverings. However, critics argue that such penalties alone are insufficient to tackle the city’s worsening smog problem.
Additionally, 661 poorly maintained vehicles had their route permits revoked, and over 27,000 vehicles were temporarily taken off the roads. Yet, enforcement measures have done little to reduce Lahore’s position as one of the world’s most polluted cities.
Efforts to restrict heavy traffic on Fridays and Sundays and monitor vehicles carrying dust at city entry points have been implemented. However, these measures have been sporadic at best, as reports of violations continue to surface, particularly on social media.
Chief Traffic Officer Ammara Athar highlighted the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to issue over 7,000 fines, but critics point out that technology alone cannot address the systemic flaws. Videos of smoke-belching vehicles circulating online suggest enforcement is lax, with many violators escaping penalties.
Authorities have also delivered over 2,700 awareness lectures at educational institutions and public spaces, but environmental experts argue these campaigns have had minimal impact without stricter enforcement and sustainable solutions.
Environmental activists are now calling for comprehensive reforms, including subsidies for cleaner vehicles, stricter inspections, and enhanced public transportation systems. “Fines and lectures are not enough when the city is choking on toxic air,” said a spokesperson for a local environmental group.
With the smog crisis showing no signs of abating, the pressure mounts on the traffic police and government agencies to implement more effective and long-term strategies.
