Govt increase in fines pushes transporters to countrywide strike

• Back in November, the federal government announced to revise upward the fine by up to 250-300 percent.

The All Pakistan Transport Owners Federation (APTOF) has announced to observe a country-wide strike today (Thursday) against the government decision of increase in fines.Back in November, the federal government announced to revise upward the fine on over-speeding, traffic violations and dangerous driving on motorways and the national highways by up to 250-300 percent to control the increasing number of accidents.

The Ministry of Communications issued SRO No. 1418 (I)1/2019, under which, fine for drivers of cars and motorcyclists on over-speeding has been enhanced to Rs 1,500 and Rs 2,500 respectively. Fine of Rs 10,000 will be charged from drivers of the commercial vehicles, while a fine of Rs 10,000 will be slapped on overloading.

Carrying passenger in a public service vehicle less than 30% in excess of the permissible limits will have to pay Rs 5,000. On failure to observe traffic signals, Rs 1,000 to be paid on amber flashing, Rs 2,000 on red flashing and Rs 5,000 on red light. Further carry goods less than 15% in excess of permissible load would have to pay Rs 10,000 in fine.

The car drivers and motorcyclists would pay a fine of Rs 5,000 on dangerous driving while Rs 10,000 would be charged from drivers of heavy-duty vehicles on the same offence.

Furthermore, the motorcyclists and car drivers will have to pay a fine of Rs 1,000 for wrong overtaking and taking wrong U-turn, and Rs 3,000 will be charged from drivers of the commercial vehicles for the same traffic violation.