The Lahore High Court (LHC) has taken a significant step by issuing notices to relevant parties regarding a petition that challenges the imposition of steep fines for traffic violations. The matter was brought before Justice Farooq Haider, who is presiding over the case filed by the Judicial Activism Panel. This development highlights growing concerns over the fairness and proportionality of traffic penalties in the city.
The petition contends that the fines levied for relatively minor infractions, such as lane violations and crossing zebra crossings improperly, are excessively high. The petitioner emphasized that these penalties appear to be more focused on generating revenue rather than addressing the root causes of traffic management and safety improvements. This raises questions about the priorities of the traffic authorities and their approach to enforcement.
In response to the petition, the court has directed the Punjab government and other involved agencies to submit their replies, signaling a thorough review of the current traffic fine system. This move could potentially lead to reforms aimed at balancing enforcement with fairness, ensuring that penalties are reasonable and serve the purpose of enhancing road safety rather than merely increasing government income.
Meanwhile, this case comes at a time when traffic management remains a critical issue in Lahore, with ongoing efforts to modernize systems and improve compliance. Notably, the petition coincides with recent initiatives such as the launch of the traffic e-challan ‘One App’ by Maryam Nawaz, aimed at streamlining fine payments and enforcement. The court’s intervention may pave the way for a more equitable and effective traffic regulation framework in the province.
