Big Fines on Smoke-Emitting Cars in Punjab

Fines on Smoke-Emitting Cars: To combat the growing smog problem in the province of Punjab, local authorities have imposed heavy fines on all vehicles that emit smoke in the province. In just 24 hours, the Punjab Traffic Police booked more than 8,500 vehicles with cumulative fines worth Rs 171.18 crore.

These fines on smoke-emitting cars began against the vehicles, trucks, and motorcycles that contribute to the dangerous air quality in the region. It goes in line with the directives given by the Lahore High Court (LHC) and shows the severity of the major pollution problem in Lahore, Multan, Gujranwala, and Faisalabad.

Rising Smog Levels: A Health and Environmental Hazard

With Lahore topping the Air Quality Index (AQI) as one of the most polluted cities in the world, this smog has brought serious health problems to residents. And many of you will be wondering about the main factors behind smog. Vehicle emissions are among the main reasons, or so the Punjab Environment Department thinks. These emissions include harmful pollutants such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter that lead to serious medical issues.

Lahore’s air quality index has varied over time and often touches “hazardous” pollution levels. The frequency value has crossed the 300 mark on the AQI scale many times, making it deadly for the vulnerable section, such as children, the elderly, and people with pre-existing health conditions.

Fines on Smoke-Emitting Cars: A Province-Wide Operation

In Lahore alone, the traffic police fined 3,153 vehicles in a single day and collected Rs. 6.3 million. Officials report that 1,663 motorcycles were fined for excessive smoking and another 536 were impounded. Heavy fines were also issued to more than 3,700 tractor-trailers transporting dirt and sand without adequate cover.

Besides, artificial intelligence (AI) systems have already been deployed to identify and track polluting vehicles, and more than 300 vehicles have been e-challaned through this AI tracking system. Many checkpoints have been set up at key entry points of major cities. Smog units have been deployed across the region to ensure continuous, consistent enforcement and monitor compliance with the new regulations.

Beyond Fines: Broader Smog Control Measures

Beside fines on smoke-emitting cars, the third measure of the Punjab government is a strict ban on all heavy and smoking vehicles in Lahore. In a joint effort with the Ministry of Environment and Mines, the Lahore Traffic Police has already tried to curb the inflow of pollution into the city in this regard.

The Road Ahead: Can These Measures Make a Difference?

Fines and vehicle bans may be promising first steps, but there is a long way to go to clean up Punjab’s air. Smog has haunted cities in Punjab for years, mainly due to emissions from traffic, industrial pollution, and seasonal agricultural practices. However, this is not the only step the government is considering. Artificial rain through cloud seeding is also on the government’s list of solutions to tackle pollution. However, this method is financially demanding.

A Call for Public Awareness and Action

Public health alerts have been issued asking citizens to stay indoors if possible and wear masks outside. Many schools, parks, and public places were temporarily closed due to limited exposure. Malls and commercial plazas have been asked to install air purifiers to maintain even cleaner indoor air. If you want to choose from the best air purifiers in Pakistan, our blog can help you.

Also read: Heavy vehicles banned to combat smog

Effective countermeasures against smog must be multifaceted. While immediate measures such as fines, bans, and technological measures are necessary, equal importance is attached to combating pollution at its long-term sources. The transition to cleaner fuel sources and the modernization of the public transport system can also be beneficial.

Ultimately, the solution to environmental pollution lies not only with the government but with everyone. Everyone has a role to play in this fight against smog. One of the steps can be to report vehicles from the smoke to the emergency line 15.

Also read: Effects of Smog: The Ultimate Guide to Protect Your Health