In a bid to combat rising smog levels and promote environmental sustainability, the provincial government of Punjab has taken a significant step by imposing a ban on the entry of vehicles without fitness certificates and route permits on motorways and highways. This decisive move was formalized through an agreement signed in the presence of Caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi.

The agreement, inked with the National Highways and Motorway Police, outlines the collaboration between the Punjab Transport Department and the Motorway Police to ensure the strict enforcement of the ban. A key component of the agreement is the mandatory sharing of information regarding vehicle fitness and route permits between the two departments.

To oversee the effective exchange of information and guarantee adherence to the new regulations, focal persons will be appointed by both the Punjab Transport Department and the Motorway Police. This collaborative effort aims to streamline communication and ensure that vehicles on the highway comply with the necessary fitness and permit requirements.

Caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi, addressing the ceremony where the agreement was formalized, commended the environmentally friendly initiative. He highlighted the importance of such measures in mitigating the adverse effects of smog in the region. Naqvi emphasized the need for collective responsibility in tackling environmental challenges and urged the public to support these efforts for the greater good.

In a significant announcement targeting unregistered Chingchi rickshaws, the Caretaker Chief Minister declared a one-month grace period for owners to register their vehicles free of charge. After this grace period, unregistered Chingchi rickshaws will no longer be permitted on the roads. This move is expected to enhance accountability and contribute to the overall reduction of emissions from these vehicles.

Furthermore, in a bid to enhance emergency response capabilities, the Caretaker Chief Minister announced the establishment of a trauma center along the Lahore-Islamabad M2 Motorway. This initiative, undertaken in collaboration with the National Highway Authority, aims to provide timely and efficient medical assistance to those in need.

The comprehensive approach taken by the provincial government reflects its commitment to addressing both environmental and public safety concerns. The ban on vehicles without fitness certificates and route permits, coupled with the initiatives for unregistered Chingchi rickshaws and the establishment of a trauma center, underscores the government’s dedication to creating a safer and healthier transportation environment in Punjab.

[embedpost slug=”/punjabs-tough-stand-on-smoke-emitting-cars/”]