LAHORE: With a view to control the spread of corona virus and keep social distance, digitalization has been improved. Now the e-Challan can be paid online so that people do not have to go to banks and stand in queues. Chief Traffic Officer Capt Syed Hammad Abid (r) stated this while speaking at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Monday. The process of digitalization has also improved the transparency and about Rs.31 million have been paid in national exchequer in this connection. The unpaid e-Challans which were being manually handled are now automatically get forwarded to traffic magistrates, he added.
Responding to the remarks of President, LCCI Mian Tariq Misbah about the traffic problems caused by motorcyclists, Syed Hammad Abid said that more than 4.2 million motorcycles are registered in Lahore. Roughly five to seven hundred thousand four-wheeler vehicles commute in Lahore and the department is managing this entire traffic load with limited resources.
He said that 18 license centres have been upgraded with online system called Raasta. The applicants can download this app on their cell phones and have the appointment fixed by just entering their CNIC. A message will appear on their cell phone mentioning the date and time of test and interview. This is how the applicants do not have to wait at the said centres. He said almost two hundred thousand people have benefited from this facility. Despite having shortage of funds and required manpower, the department is providing all these services to facilitate the public, he said.
Reacting to unauthorized speed-breakers made of steel, the Chief Traffic Officer said that these speed-breakers should immediately be removed to ensure smooth flow of traffic in the city and to avoid the damage of tyres. He said the department is going to start a campaign to create awareness among the motorcyclists as to how they should show more responsibility and maturity while driving on the road. This kind of education should also be provided at school and college levels so that youth is made responsive to it.
Speaking on the occasion, LCCI President Mian Tariq Misbah asked the traffic police chief to resume permanent driving license facility at its premises in order to facilitate the business community for the sake of saving their time and avoid gathering at regular driving license centres.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2020
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