Safety rules introduced for heavy vehicles, motorbikes, rickshaws

To improve traffic flow and make roads safer in Karachi, strict measures have been introduced that will be applicable on heavy vehicles, motorbikes and rickshaws.

Sindh police chief IG Ghulam Nabi Memon chaired a meeting at the Central Police Office to deal with road traffic accidents and other traffic-related issues. He ordered the implementation of the new traffic and road safety rules.

Heavy vehicles must instal side railings and underruns so that small vehicles and motorbikes can avoid getting stuck in their tyres in case of an accident. The lower edge height of the side underrun protection must be 20 inches, and that of the front and rear must be 16 inches.

Installing GPS trackers, dash cams, rear view cams and cabin cams is mandatory to preserve evidence in case of accidents, and to monitor driver behaviour. Oil tankers must instal buffer plates to control fluid pressure and provide stability to the vehicle.

Drug and fatigue tests are being introduced to identify drivers who are intoxicated or severely fatigued due to unusually long driving. Strict action will be taken against water tankers dumping water on roads, as water spillage can be fatal for motorcyclists.

Wearing a helmet is mandatory for motorcyclists. Strict action will be taken against violators without exception. For their essential safety requirements, motorcyclists should instal chain sprocket and chain cover.

Headlight, tail light, hazard light and indicators must be in proper condition. Registration plates must be visible on both sides. The size of the one on the rear must be 205x70mm, and the one on the front must be 200x170mm.

The use of rear view mirrors is mandatory. Driving licence must be carried at all times. Similarly, the size of rickshaws’ rear side registration plate should conform with the requirement of automatic number plate recognition cameras being installed to identify motorbikes and other vehicles violating traffic rules.

Speed cameras are also being installed to enforce speed limits, while lane monitoring cameras will identify those driving in the wrong lane, so that road discipline can be maintained.

For repeated violation of any traffic law, an additional fine of Rs2,500 will be imposed, which will be collected in addition to the fine for the current violation.

Moreover, five thoroughfares have been declared prohibited for rickshaws with extra seats: II Chundrigar Road (Shaheen Complex to Tower), Sharea Faisal (Avari to Star Gate), Khaliquzzaman Road (Lily Signal to Submarine Underpass), Sir Shah Suleman Road (Liaquatabad No. 10 / Gharibabad to Stadium) and Rashid Minhas Road (Drigh Road to Sohrab Goth).

To improve traffic flow and reduce accidents, stricter restrictions will be implemented gradually. These measures are being taken to ensure responsible driving, prevent accidents and provide safe roads for people. These rules will be strictly monitored and strict action will be taken against violators.