The Lahore High Court on Wednesday directed traffic police to take stern action against underage drivers and seek undertaking from their parents before releasing the violators. The court also directed the police to take action against the parents of the underage drivers in case of repeated violation.
The court was hearing a petition highlighting a drastic increase in road accidents due to non compliance of traffic rules and plying of motorbikes and motorcycle rickshaw in the city. The court directed the CTO to strictly implement the traffic laws and show no leniency towards underage drivers. He directed the officer to seek affidavits from the parents of underage drivers, if caught, at first instance and in case of subsequent violation the parents would be required to submit surety bonds along with final warning.
The court reiterated his direction to the CTO for running an awareness campaign in the city to motivate bike riders to wear safety helmets. The court also directed the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) to run a campaign on television channels to create awareness of traffic laws among the masses.
The court also summoned Director General Social Welfare Department to explain as to why the traffic signals in particular were overcrowded with professional beggars. In a separate matter, the court also directed the Auqaf department to launch its operation against illegal compounds in Mian Mir graveyard from Friday (today) and file a compliance report after a week.
Meanwhile, the court also sought report from communication & works department to about the buildings on Mall Road as there were reports about cracks after demolition of illegal structures. The court also sought a separate report from the Archeology department about number of historical buildings in the city and their condition and rose for Thursday.