Lahore Traffic Police has intensified its anti-smog campaign, launching special nighttime operations against smoke-emitting vehicles, uncovered sand carriers, overloaded transport, and vehicles that fail to meet environmental standards.
The campaign aims to reduce transport-related air pollution and improve road safety across Lahore. Special checkpoints have been established at different locations to identify vehicles violating traffic and environmental regulations.
Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Lahore Syed Abdul Rahim Sherazi said strict enforcement was necessary to protect public health and address the city’s air pollution challenges. He directed traffic police teams to take action against vehicles that contribute to smog or create safety risks on roads.
Authorities are paying particular attention to vehicles releasing excessive smoke and commercial transport carrying sand or soil without proper covers. These vehicles can release dust and harmful emissions into the atmosphere, worsening air quality.
According to the CTO, vehicles transporting sand and soil without tarpaulin covers are not allowed to enter Lahore. Traffic police teams are also inspecting dumpers and other commercial vehicles to ensure compliance with environmental and road safety requirements.
Lahore Traffic Police has reported issuing challans to 9,998 smoke-emitting vehicles during its enforcement activities. Officials have also taken action against 6,745 vehicles transporting sand, soil, and other materials without appropriate covers.
In addition, action has been taken against 22,241 vehicles operating without fitness certificates or in poor mechanical condition. Authorities have also reported enforcement action against 233,476 vehicles for overloading violations.
The figures reflect the scale of enforcement reported by Lahore Traffic Police as it seeks to improve compliance with traffic and environmental regulations.
CTO Sherazi warned that drivers operating vehicles that release excessive smoke could face suspension of their driving licences. Authorities may also take stricter action against commercial transport operators who repeatedly violate environmental requirements.
Possible penalties include the suspension of driving licences and route permits, particularly in cases involving commercial vehicles that fail to comply with applicable rules. Vehicle owners have been advised to maintain their engines, address mechanical faults, obtain the required fitness certificates, and ensure their vehicles meet emission standards.
The department has also contacted government and semi-government organisations whose vehicles were reportedly emitting smoke. Official notices have been issued, directing the relevant departments to arrange timely repairs and maintain their vehicles in proper working condition.
Regular vehicle maintenance can help reduce harmful emissions and improve road safety. Authorities have urged departments and transport operators to take the notices seriously and comply with environmental requirements.
Lahore experiences significant air pollution, particularly during the colder months, when weather conditions can contribute to the accumulation of pollutants. Vehicle emissions, road dust, and particles released by uncovered construction materials are among the sources that can affect the city’s air quality.
The latest nighttime operations form part of the traffic police’s broader efforts to control vehicle-related pollution. Officials have indicated that enforcement will continue against vehicles that violate traffic rules, emission standards, loading restrictions, and vehicle fitness requirements.
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Drivers and transport operators have been advised to cooperate with traffic police teams and ensure their vehicles comply with applicable regulations. The campaign aims to reduce avoidable pollution, promote responsible transport practices, and improve road safety for residents across Lahore.
