ISLAMABAD: In a significant move to promote energy conservation and enhance road safety, the National Highway & Motorway Police have announced a reduction in speed limits for various categories of vehicles traveling on motorways and national highways across Pakistan. This adjustment comes as part of a broader government initiative aimed at curbing fuel consumption amid ongoing economic challenges.
Under the new regulations, cars and Light Transport Vehicles (LTVs) will now be restricted to a maximum speed of 100 kilometers per hour when driving on motorways. This is a notable decrease from the previous limit of 120 km/h, reflecting the authorities’ commitment to reducing fuel usage and minimizing accidents caused by high speeds. Similarly, Passenger Service Vehicles (PSVs) and Heavy Transport Vehicles (HTVs) will have their speed capped at 90 km/h on motorways, down from the earlier 110 km/h limit.
Alongside these changes on motorways, speed limits on national highways have also been lowered to align with the government’s energy-saving objectives. Cars and LTVs are now permitted to travel at speeds up to 80 km/h, a reduction from the former 100 km/h limit. Meanwhile, PSVs and HTVs must adhere to a maximum speed of 65 km/h, decreased from 80 km/h. These adjustments are expected to contribute significantly to fuel efficiency, given the extensive use of these routes for commercial and private transportation.
The decision to revise speed limits follows directives issued by the Prime Minister, who has emphasized the importance of nationwide efforts to conserve fuel in light of rising energy costs and supply constraints. The government’s austerity measures include various strategies to optimize fuel consumption, and controlling vehicle speeds is seen as a practical and impactful step in this direction.
To ensure that motorists are well-informed about the new speed restrictions, the National Highway & Motorway Police have launched an extensive awareness campaign. This initiative involves disseminating information through multiple channels to educate drivers about the changes and encourage strict adherence to the updated limits. Authorities have stressed that compliance is crucial not only for fuel conservation but also for enhancing overall road safety, as lower speeds reduce the likelihood and severity of traffic accidents.
Officials have called on all road users to cooperate with the new regulations and recognize their role in supporting the government’s broader energy conservation goals. By adjusting driving habits and respecting the revised speed limits, motorists can contribute to a more sustainable use of resources while also protecting themselves and others on the road. The National Highway & Motorway Police remain vigilant in enforcing these rules and will continue monitoring traffic to ensure smooth implementation across the country.
