LAHORE: The Lahore High Court on Wednesday directed traffic police to take stern action against underage drivers and seek undertaking from their parents before releasing the violators.

Justice Ali Akbar Qureshi directed the police to take action against parents of the underage drivers in case of repeated violations.

The judge was hearing a petition highlighting a drastic increase in road accidents due to non-compliance of traffic rules and plying of motorbikes and motorcycle-rickshaw in the city. Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) retired Capt Liaqat was present in the court.

The judge directed the CTO to strictly implement traffic laws and show no leniency towards underage drivers. He directed the CTO to seek affidavits from parents of underage drivers, if caught, at first instance and in case of subsequent violation the parents would be required to submit surety bonds along with final warning.

Directs action against parents in case of repeated violations

Justice Qureshi reiterated his direction to the CTO for running an awareness campaign in the city to motivate bike riders to wear helmets. The judge observed that in Bangladesh people riding bikes without helmet were not entertained at petrol pumps.

He also directed the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) to run a campaign on television channels to create awareness about traffic laws among the masses.

During the hearing, Justice Qureshi observed that the roads of the city and traffic signals in particular were overcrowded with professional beggars. He summoned director general of social welfare department to explain the situation on next hearing.

In a separate matter, the judge directed the Auqaf department to launch its operation against illegal compounds in Mian Mir graveyard from Friday (tomorrow) and file a compliance report after a week.

Meanwhile, Justice Qureshi directed an officer of communication and works department to personally inspect condition of some buildings on The Mall as there were reports about cracks after demolition of illegal structures.

The judge separately sought a report from the archaeology department about number of historical buildings in the entire city and their condition.

The judge will resume hearing on Thursday (today).

Published in Dawn, September 13th, 2018