Rawalpindi is set to enhance its traffic management by introducing an e-challan system on January 1, 2025. This initiative, led by the City Traffic Police (CTP), will utilize Safe City cameras to monitor traffic violations across major highways and key city locations. Violators will receive fines directly on their mobile phones and home addresses.
The Safe City project has installed cameras in strategic areas, including COD Chowk, Liaquat Bagh, Raja Bazaar, Chandni Chowk, Jinnah Park, and Faizabad Metro Station. These cameras are on all day and night recording traffic offenses and crimes. The Punjab Safe City Authority (PSCA) controls all operations from its control room located at Jinnah Park.
Traffic violations such as riding motorcycles without helmets, using non-compliant number plates, and driving without seat belts will incur fines. For instance, motorcyclists who do not wear helmets will be charged Rs. 1,500 while those motorcyclists with non-standard number plates will be charged Rs. 2,000. Riding motorcycles by juveniles can result in FIRs against their caretakers. Other cars that will be fined include those that are overspeeding, those that are driving in the wrong direction, or those that have their occupants not wearing seat belts.
The e-challan system is designed to enhance traffic law compliance and minimize disagreements over fines by using a photo-syllable of each violation. Officials argue that this system will help to eliminate complaints on unneeded fines and promote transparency. When completed, the Safe City project will expand its coverage to other traffic offenses on principal highways, reducing incidences of road accidents.
