PESHAWAR, March 20: Drivers of public transport vehicles are flagrantly violating the ban imposed by the provincial government on playing music in passenger vehicles.

Playing music in commercial vehicles is also prohibited under the Motor Vehicles Registration Ordinance, 1969, leaving little room for new legislation or more laws on the subject.

A survey revealed that drivers of commercial vehicles showed a scant respect to the traffic regulations and play loud music despite objection of commuters in many instances.

"Non-implementation of the relevant law is because of the fact that only a meagre amount in fine is charged for the offence. If the figure is raised to the amount charged by the Motorway police the situation would definitely improve," a well-placed police official told Dawn.

When Chief Minister Akram Khan Durrani was elected as the leader of the house in November, he announced a ban on liquor and gambling in the province. He had also announced that music and videos would not be allowed in public transport and passengers could call the police if drivers refused to stop for prayers.

However, the ground situation is that despite the government of an alliance of religious parties, which claims that it will make Shariat the supreme law of the province, music with vulgar lyrics is openly played in public transport.

Fine for the violation of the law is Rs100. "Unless the penalty for the violation of traffic rules is increased, it would continue to be brazenly violated," a police official said.

He said the police department was trying to rationalize the fee and fine structure which would help in better implementation of traffic rules.

"We play music because there is no other entertainment. During the day-long driving we need to relax ourselves and music provides us a little relieve," Mohammad Faqir, who drives a Mazda coach, told Dawn.