Key Takeaways
- The Punjab government proposes a phased removal of vehicles older than 20 years.
- A digital vehicle age verification system will be introduced by 2027, followed by restrictions in selected urban areas.
- Incentives for scrapping old vehicles and promoting new energy vehicles are part of the policy.
The Punjab government has proposed a new policy aimed at gradually removing vehicles older than 20 years from its roads. Under this initiative, first reported by Urdu News, authorities plan to introduce a phased enforcement model rather than an immediate ban.
According to the draft policy, a digital vehicle age verification system will be established by 2027. This system will calculate vehicle ages from their date of registration and enable the identification of older vehicles for targeted restrictions in selected urban areas, starting with Lahore and Faisalabad.
Between 2028 and 2030, vehicles over 20 years old will face restrictions in designated low-emission zones. This will be enforced through digital registration records, cameras, and smart license plates. By 2031 to 2035, commercial vehicles older than 20 years will also be phased out across Punjab, with private vehicle owners potentially brought under the policy by 2033.
To provide legal backing for these measures, the government plans to amend the Punjab Motor Vehicles Ordinance. Additionally, incentives such as rebates and financial assistance towards new energy vehicles are proposed to encourage scrapping of older vehicles. The policy also includes a reduction in registration fees, token tax, and route permit fees by 95% for new energy vehicles during the first three years of implementation.
The draft policy further outlines plans to establish more than 3,000 charging stations across Punjab and aims to transition all new government vehicle purchases to electric or other approved low-emission technologies by 2030. These measures are part of a broader strategy to improve air quality and reduce carbon emissions in the province.
The proposed policy reflects a balanced approach, balancing environmental concerns with practical considerations for vehicle owners. While the exact timeline and scope may evolve during cabinet approval, these initial proposals indicate Punjab's commitment to sustainable transportation.
