Lahore cracks down on heavy vehicles entering city during daytime

Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Lahore Syed Abdul Rahim Shirazi has ordered strict action against operators of heavy vehicles found entering the city during prohibited hours. The move aims to reduce road accidents, improve traffic flow and make travel safer for motorists, motorcyclists and pedestrians.

Shirazi has directed traffic officials to closely monitor public service vehicles, commercial transport and heavy vehicles operating on city roads during restricted timings.

According to the traffic police, heavy vehicles are not allowed to enter Lahore between 7am and 11pm. Their permitted entry window is from 11pm to 7am.

The authorities have warned that operators who violate these timings will face legal action, including the registration of cases.

Which vehicles are covered by the restrictions?

The restrictions apply to several types of heavy vehicles that regularly transport goods and construction materials. These include tractor-trolleys, trailers, trucks, loaders, and heavy construction machinery.

Such vehicles can create traffic problems when they move through busy city roads during the day. Their size and slower movement can also make it harder for other road users to pass safely.

Traffic officials have been instructed to carry out checks to ensure that heavy vehicles follow the prescribed timings. Operators have been urged to plan their journeys carefully and arrange deliveries within the permitted hours to avoid legal action.

Heavy-vehicle operators warned of legal cases

Shirazi has warned that operators found violating the restrictions will face direct legal action. The latest directions indicate that traffic police will take a stricter approach towards vehicles entering or operating in the city during prohibited hours.

The purpose is to ensure that the restrictions are followed rather than allowing heavy traffic to continue moving through the city during the daytime.

Transporters, drivers and businesses that rely on trucks and other heavy vehicles may need to adjust their delivery schedules accordingly. Failure to follow the rules could lead to legal proceedings and disrupt transport operations.

Heavy traffic allowed into Lahore in phases

The CTO said heavy traffic was being allowed to enter Lahore in phases during the permitted nighttime window. This arrangement is intended to manage the movement of large vehicles and prevent too many trucks from entering the city at once.

Oil tankers are also subject to specific entry timings. The authorities have not provided the exact timings for oil tankers in the statement.

Operators should therefore confirm the applicable schedule with traffic officials instead of assuming that the general nighttime window applies to every vehicle. The phased-entry system is intended to help authorities manage traffic more effectively while allowing goods to reach their destinations.

Road safety remains a major concern

The restrictions are part of wider efforts to reduce the risks linked to heavy and commercial vehicles on Lahore’s roads.

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According to a report published by the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) on October 18, CTO Shirazi said commercial vehicles accounted for around 4.5% of the city’s traffic but were involved in 44% of traffic accidents.

These figures, attributed to the CTO, highlight the safety concerns raised by authorities about commercial transport.

Heavy vehicles can pose additional risks when drivers fail to follow traffic rules, transport oversized loads or operate vehicles that do not meet safety requirements. Strict checking and enforcement are intended to address these risks and encourage transport operators to follow the rules.

Safe transport practices also under scrutiny

Alongside the timing restrictions, the CTO has called for action against commercial vehicles carrying loads that extend beyond the permitted dimensions of the vehicle.

Cargo that sticks out beyond a vehicle’s body can create hazards for nearby motorists and pedestrians, particularly on busy roads. Transport operators need to ensure that their vehicles carry goods safely and comply with applicable transport regulations.

Regular inspections can also help identify unsafe vehicles and reduce the risk of accidents caused by poor maintenance or improper loading. The traffic police have said enforcement will continue to focus on heavy and commercial vehicles to improve road safety.

What drivers and transporters should know

Drivers should check the permitted entry hours before travelling to Lahore with a heavy vehicle. Under the stated restrictions, the general entry window is from 11pm to 7am, while daytime entry is prohibited.

Oil tanker operators should confirm their separate designated timings with the relevant authorities. Transport companies and businesses that receive goods by truck should also plan deliveries around the restricted hours.

Following the rules can help operators avoid legal action and reduce unnecessary disruption to their work. Drivers should also follow instructions issued by traffic officials at city entry points and comply with any additional restrictions that may apply to their vehicles.