LAHORE: The City Traffic Police Lahore (CTPL) has intensified its anti-smog crackdown, warning that the route permits of commercial vehicles violating environmental regulations will be suspended to improve air quality and protect public health.
Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Abdul Raheem Shirazi said strict enforcement of anti-smog measures is essential to reduce pollution and ensure a cleaner environment across the city.
He reiterated that the entry of tractor-trolleys and dumpers carrying sand or soil without protective tarpaulin covers remains strictly prohibited in Lahore to prevent dust pollution.
According to a CTPL spokesperson, 1,013 cases have been registered against violators as part of the ongoing anti-smog campaign.
To strengthen enforcement, the traffic police have deployed special teams at 12 entry and exit points of Lahore, while 45 dedicated enforcement teams are conducting inspections and taking action across the city.
Officials said action was taken against 3,649 smoke-emitting vehicles and 2,183 vehicles causing environmental pollution during the current month. Additionally, 6,820 unfit and poorly maintained vehicles were penalised for violating traffic and environmental regulations.
The CTO said tractor-trolleys would not be allowed to operate without tarpaulin covers, water sprinkling systems, or other mandatory safety measures designed to minimise the spread of dust.
He added that the traffic police are also using an artificial intelligence (AI)-based detection system to identify smoke-emitting vehicles and issue electronic challans (e-challans) automatically.
Abdul Raheem Shirazi further said notices have been issued to government and semi-government departments, directing them to repair smoke-emitting official vehicles. He warned that strict legal action would be taken against organisations that fail to comply with the anti-smog regulations.
The crackdown is part of Lahore’s broader efforts to improve air quality ahead of the winter smog season through stricter enforcement of environmental and traffic laws.
