Key Takeaways
- The city traffic police have begun verifying the criminal records of 348,000 commercial vehicle drivers in Lahore.
- These drivers are involved in 48% of fatal road crashes, despite making up only 5% of registered vehicles.
- Verification will include checking driving history and licence status to prevent unfit drivers from operating commercial vehicles.
The city traffic police have initiated a verification process for the criminal records of 348,000 commercial vehicle drivers in Lahore. This move follows reports that these drivers are involved in 48% of all fatal road crashes, despite making up only about five percent of the city’s total registered vehicles.
The decision was made during a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Syed Abdul Raheem Shirazi. The meeting reviewed crash patterns and formulated strategies to address the underlying causes of commercial vehicle-related accidents.
SP Headquarters Fakhar Bashir Raja has been assigned to conduct an in-depth analysis of crash patterns and recommend evidence-based interventions to prevent future fatalities.
CTO Sherazi stated that drivers with criminal records, a history of repeated traffic crashes, habitual violations, or posing a threat to public safety will not be granted permits or licences to operate commercial vehicles. He emphasized the need for proper background verification, including valid character certificates and complete record clearance.
Transport unions and commercial vehicle owners have been instructed to ensure that no driver is employed without undergoing this verification process. Vehicle owners who disregard these standards by allowing unfit drivers to operate commercial vehicles will face strict legal action.
The meeting also resolved to undertake the verification of driving licences of all commercial and public service vehicle drivers, with enforcement actions against those found operating with fake, forged, expired, suspended, or otherwise invalid licences.
CTO Sherazi highlighted that this move aims to reduce serious and fatal traffic crashes across Lahore. He warned that accountability will extend beyond negligent drivers to those who enable them by employing unfit individuals.
The verification process is expected to significantly impact the safety of roads in Lahore, as it targets a critical group involved in a high percentage of fatal accidents.
Drivers with criminal records, a history of repeated traffic crashes, habitual traffic violations, or conduct posing a threat to public safety will not be granted permits or licences to operate commercial vehicles.
CTO Syed Abdul Raheem Shirazi, Chief Traffic Officer
