Lahore has always been a historically fascinating city, but the modern infrastructure added to the metropolis has transformed it into a city with lively food streets eagerly visited by locals as well as tourists. Owing to the city’s noteworthy importance in the world of tourism, the Punjab Government, with the assistance and cooperation of the Punjab Safe Cities Authorities (PSCA), decided to improve and modernise the city’s infrastructure over a decade ago. Lahore Metro Bus, Orange Line Metro Train, Ring Road, and widening of Canal Bank Road are some of the worth-mentioning developments in this regard. Another impactful move in the same vein was the improvement and digitisation of the traffic system in Lahore.
Some Highlights of the Traffic System in Lahore
We are going to list down and discuss all the steps taken by the PSCA to advance and better Lahore’s Traffic Management System. So, let’s get started with the list first.
- Traffic Signals with Automatic Timers
- Separate Lanes for Motorcyclists
- Pedestrian Bridges
- Installation of Networked Cameras to Monitor Traffic
- Stricter Law for the Use of Standardised Number Plates
- Immediate Issuance of E-Challans/Traffic Tickets
Advancement of the Infrastructure and Public Transportation System
The first and foremost step taken by PSCA for the improvement of the traffic system was the development of wider roads, flyovers, and expressways with multiple lanes to ensure a smoother flow of traffic. The next step was to improvise the transport system, for which Lahore Metro Bus was introduced as part of the Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS). The transit system is effectively backed by a sizeable network of feeder buses running across the city. Further details about the routes, timings, and fares of the Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) have been jotted down by us in one of our previous blogs titled: Metro Bus in Lahore.
Traffic Signals with Automated Timers
Following the norms of other developed countries, traffic authorities in Lahore, with the help of local government, started automating traffic signals installed throughout Lahore. Moreover, the authorities also made sure that these advanced traffic lights are installed at a standardised height to ensure complete visibility for drivers and pedestrians.
Separate Lane for Slow Moving Vehicles
Since Lahore now boasts roads with multiple lanes, specific lanes were reserved and dedicated for motorcycles and other slow-moving vehicles such as buses, trucks, and loaders. This move significantly reduced the occurrence of traffic congestion on Lahore’s roads, allowing the traffic to flow smoothly, and in a safer manner.
Pedestrian Crossings and Bridges
As the name suggests, the Punjab Safe Cities Authority is on a mission to promote road safety in various cities of the province. However, it has been observed that the absence of pedestrian crossings and bridges at many points in Lahore is one of the major reasons behind the increase in road accidents. To counter this situation, the authorities have developed pedestrian crossings with special traffic lights and overhead bridges on some of Lahore’s significant arteries to prevent road accidents and fatal incidents.
Installation of Networked Cameras to Monitor Traffic
The Punjab Safe Cities Authority is in the process of installing 10,000 cameras across Lahore. These cameras are networked with each other to closely monitor and transmit information about the city’s traffic in real-time. Furthermore, they have the capability of detecting vehicles’ registration number, cars switching lanes, and bikers without helmets. Upon spotting any violation of traffic rules, the system of networked cameras notifies the traffic authorities in Lahore about it. As a result, an electronic complaint is automatically registered against the concerned motorist.
Stricter Law for the Use of Standardised Number Plates
In order to promote the use of standardised number plates instead of fancy ones, the PSCA has already started a campaign. The campaign is backed by legal measures, as a result of which many shops involved in manufacturing fancy number plates have been shut down. Moreover, people who get caught violating these rules can face serious consequences, including imprisonment for up to five years. One of the key reasons that authorities are promoting the use of standardised number plates is because these plates are recognisable by the network of automated cameras installed all over the city to monitor traffic.
Immediate Issuance of E-Challans/Traffic Tickets
With all these features, Lahore boasts a robust traffic system that is monitored by a central control room. The personnel of the PSCA closely oversee the flow of traffic in Lahore via screens with the help of a network of CCTV cameras. Upon identifying a motorist violating the rules, they immediately issue an E-Challan bearing the name and CNIC of the vehicle owner. These details are then cross-checked and verified by the Excise and Taxation Department for further necessary actions. You can now only verify your E-Challan online, however, a mobile application that will allow you to make payments against your ticket online is in the development phase.
Furthermore, the network of cameras monitoring traffic in Lahore can also issue an E-Challan or a traffic ticket against someone found violating traffic rules. Along with the issuance of E-Challans, the automated system also releases four different photos of the vehicle involved in a violation, with its registration number and the exact date and time of the incident.
Similar steps can also be taken by the authorities of other major cities in Pakistan for the modernisation of the infrastructure as well as the traffic management system. All these developments can drastically improve the day-to-day life of motorists in other cities of the country.
On a side note, if you are living in the city of gardens and searching for some of the best routes to move around, then you can take a look at an article where we have comprehensively covered different routes and modes of public transportation available in Lahore.
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