THE fork-lifters that are used to remove vehicles parked in prohibited zones across Lahore lack registration plates as if they are completely exempt from being considered vehicles. These fork-lifters, intended to enforce no-parking zones, are often seen stationed in no-parking zones. This not only flouts the law, but also undermines the credibility of traffic police operations in the city.

Equally unsettling is the regular sight of police vehicles blatantly flouting traffic rules. Instances of wrong-way driving are far too common. It is a paradox that the very enforcers, say, of the law choose to disregard it, even when it comes to simple rules, like respecting traffic signals at road crossings.

Moreover, the approach to handling traffic violations is also concerning. Instead of striving to educate and reduce incidents of rule-breaking, the traffic police seem to prefer imposing fines. For instance, when driving towards the cantonment on The Mall from the right lanes, one can only make a right turn and is not allowed to proceed straight.

However, rather than implementing corrective measures, such as using traffic cones to channel the flow of traffic, police personnel stand by rather eagerly and dole out fines frequently to the unsuspecting violators. This punitive approach without having a simultaneous effort to encourage compliance is inherently flawed.

To cultivate a law-abiding society, we must make adherence to traffic laws as societal value. This, in turn, requires the police force to serve as a model of compliance.

Unfortunately, mere fine imposition, especially when the law-enforcement entity, responsible for imposing the law, is itself frequently guilty of law-breaking, is unlikely to yield the desired results. It is time for adopting a comprehensive approach that fosters understanding, cooperation, and, above all, respect for the law.

I implore the relevant authorities to reconsider these practices and prioritise constructive methods that may lead to a safer and more lawful traffic environment in Lahore that is purged of malpractices.

Muhammad Uzair Bhaur
Lahore

Published in Dawn, March 29th, 2024