Lahore traffic police ask citizens to report smoke-emitting vehicles
Lahore traffic police seek public help
Lahore City Traffic Police has launched a public outreach initiative to encourage citizens to report vehicles emitting excessive smoke and help authorities tackle environmental pollution.
Under the initiative, citizens have been asked to record videos of smoke-emitting vehicles and send them to the Lahore City Traffic Police through WhatsApp.
According to the traffic police, the videos will be registered and reviewed for further action against vehicles found violating environmental regulations.
Citizens can send videos of smoke-emitting vehicles to 0322-5638888 for registration and further action. The initiative aims to increase public participation in efforts to control air pollution and improve the city’s environment.
Public cooperation sought to control pollution
The traffic police said protecting the environment was not only a matter of enforcing laws but also required cooperation from citizens. Officials are encouraging residents to play an active role by reporting vehicles that release excessive smoke on roads across Lahore.
The move is expected to provide enforcement teams with more information about vehicles contributing to pollution and help them identify violations more quickly. The public reporting system also gives citizens a direct way to share evidence with authorities instead of simply reporting a problem verbally.
Action against smoke-emitting vehicles
The latest public appeal comes as Lahore traffic police continue their wider anti-smog enforcement campaign.
In July, Lahore Chief Traffic Officer Syed Abdul Raheem Shirazi announced that the driving licences of motorists operating smoke-emitting vehicles would be suspended as part of efforts to reduce smog and air pollution in the provincial capital.
The CTO also said route permits of commercial vehicles found violating anti-smog regulations would be suspended.
He stressed that strict enforcement was necessary to protect public health and the environment. The measures show that authorities are focusing not only on individual motorists but also on commercial vehicles that fail to meet environmental requirements.
Tractor-trolleys and dumpers face restrictions
Traffic authorities have also maintained restrictions on certain vehicles carrying loose material in Lahore. The entry of tractor-trolleys and dumpers carrying sand or soil without protective tarpaulin remains banned in the city.
The requirement aims to prevent dust and other particles from spreading onto roads and contributing to air pollution. Vehicles carrying sand, soil or similar material are therefore required to take precautions to prevent the material from falling or spreading during transportation.
More than 1,000 cases registered
According to a traffic police spokesperson, 1,013 cases have been registered against violators as part of the ongoing anti-smog crackdown.
Also Read: Lahore Cracks Down On Commercial Drivers With Criminal Records
The figure reflects the scale of enforcement being carried out against vehicles and other violations linked to pollution. Authorities have continued to increase checks as Lahore faces recurring air-quality concerns, particularly during periods when smog becomes more severe.
Recent enforcement efforts have also included action against vehicles with other traffic-related violations. In June, Lahore traffic police launched a crackdown on vehicles with outstanding e-challans and deployed special teams on major roads.
Special teams deployed across Lahore
To strengthen the campaign, City Traffic Police Lahore has deployed special teams at 12 entry and exit points of the city. These locations allow officials to monitor vehicles entering and leaving Lahore and identify those that may be contributing to pollution.
In addition, 45 dedicated enforcement teams are conducting inspections and taking action at different locations across the city. The teams are expected to focus on vehicles that emit excessive smoke and other violations covered by the anti-smog campaign.
Technology is also being used for enforcement
Lahore traffic authorities are increasingly using digital systems and technology to strengthen enforcement.
The City Traffic Police launched its One App system in March, allowing traffic officers to access several databases and verify information such as vehicle ownership, fitness certificates and route permits in the field. The system also allows environmental violations to be recorded as part of traffic enforcement.
Technology can help officers identify violations more efficiently and maintain records of enforcement actions. Public reporting through WhatsApp adds another layer to this system by allowing citizens to provide information directly to traffic authorities.
Why smoke-emitting vehicles are a concern
Vehicle emissions are among the factors contributing to air pollution in Lahore. Smoke released by poorly maintained or non-compliant vehicles can add pollutants to the city’s already busy urban environment.
Lahore has repeatedly faced serious air-quality concerns, particularly during the smog season. Traffic police and other authorities have therefore increased enforcement against vehicles that contribute to pollution.
Previous anti-smog campaigns have included fines, inspections and action against vehicles emitting excessive smoke.
Citizens can help identify violations
The latest initiative gives Lahore residents a direct role in reporting vehicles that may be violating anti-smog rules. Citizens who notice a vehicle emitting excessive smoke can record a video and send it to the traffic police WhatsApp number provided for the campaign.
The traffic police can then register the complaint and take further action where a violation is established. Authorities have also stressed the importance of public cooperation in maintaining a cleaner environment.
