ICT police crackdown on traffic violators, using modern technology

Islamabad: Despite a longstanding prohibition on their entry into the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT), rickshaws—three-wheeled public service vehicles—have increasingly violated traffic regulations. While the ban has been in place since the establishment of the federal capital, its enforcement has weakened over time due to lax traffic policing. This has allowed rickshaws from the neighboring city of Rawalpindi to gradually encroach upon Islamabad's roads, leading to a rise in traffic violations within the capital's limits.

The newly appointed leadership of the Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) has initiated a crackdown on traffic violators, with a specific focus on re-implementing the ban on three-wheelers to reduce road congestion in the capital.

During the crackdown against the traffic rules violators, the ITP, in the first phase, took legal action against 207 rickshaws for entering the federal capital, where their entry is prohibited.

In a determined effort to enforce traffic laws and enhance road safety, the Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) has launched a comprehensive traffic enforcement campaign. The campaign, operating under the direct orders of the Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Captain (R) Hamza Humayun, has yielded significant results in its first week, as detailed in a recently released performance report.

The week-long crackdown saw legal action taken against 1,585 vehicles and motorcycles for various traffic violations. The report indicates that 1,112 motorcycles and 552 vehicles were impounded for breaking traffic laws. The ITP was particularly vigilant in addressing common violations that pose a significant risk to public safety.

During the crackdown on traffic violations, the ITP teams checked citywide abuses, 821 fines for lane violations, 114 fines for driving without a license, 2,552 fines for illegal parking, 808 fines for wrong-way driving, 1,169 fines for fancy number plates and signal violations, 998 fines for not wearing helmets, 94 fines for not having a fitness certificate for their vehicles and 4,741 challans issued to overloaded heavy traffic.

The ITP is employing modern technology to enhance its enforcement capabilities. The report highlights the use of drones, which led to 60 drivers being fined. The technology was also used to identify individuals for awareness sessions, with 45 drivers receiving guidance on safe driving practices.

CTO Captain (r) Hamza Humayun emphasised the campaign's strict, indiscriminate nature, stating, “Indiscriminate action under the special campaign must continue.” He instructed traffic personnel to adopt a zero-tolerance policy against underage drivers and those operating vehicles without a license. The CTO also issued a stern warning against dangerous stunts, declaring that “strict legal actions will be taken against one-wheelers and stunt performers.”

Concluding his remarks, the CTO urged the public to cooperate with traffic officials, saying, “Citizens should cooperate with traffic officials and prove themselves to be responsible citizens.”