The Lahore traffic issue can be resolved without any policy changes or much change in action by the traffic police. Just a little planning and thought can go a long way which can consequently only mean a win-win for our traffic department and government. The traffic surveillance cameras that are fitted along the major roads in Lahore were to improve traffic and along with that it was also warned that fines issued to cars breaking traffic laws on the roads would be directly sent on addresses registered. This was a good initiative that was supported by many but to date no one I know has claimed to receive them.
A good amount went into installing these cameras, which should unarguably not only be paid back but also help make profits. There is no reason not to. In the UK, only speed cameras earn the UK police force more than three million pound sterling per year which lies way into the profit zone. The only question that remains now is why the cameras are not being used to their fullest. I am a proponent of increasing speeding fines. Additionally, penalty points should be given to the licence. Six penalty points procured by a licence and its cancelled. There is definitely no getting away with breaking the law. This is not a surmountable mountain for our traffic law enforcers. Experts state that speed cameras are a powerful deterrent against speeding and can help reduce the number of fatal accidents on roads. Cameras can watch for a higher numbers of speeding motorists than traffic police with mobile cameras – and cameras can do this at much lower cost, freeing up the police for other duties.
Ammarah Niaz
Lahore