Traffic wardens say the order effectively forces them to issue fines regardless of compliance.
RAWALPINDI:
The City Traffic Officer (CTO) has reportedly ordered all traffic wardens to impose fines of Rs 2,000 each on at least 15 motorcyclists daily for any traffic violation, including not wearing a helmet. This directive has sparked a legal dispute between traffic wardens and officers, with many questioning its legality.
Sources said The express PAkGazette that CTO Farhan Aslam fined 61 guards a total of Rs 122,000 for failing to meet these targets. The guards were given show-cause notices and were summoned to the police station on Friday (today) at 3 pm, with a warning that strict action will be taken if they do not show up.
In response, lawyer Raja Ahsan sent a legal notice to CTO Farhan Aslam on behalf of the traffic wardens, stating that if the allegedly illegal orders and fines are not revoked within seven days, constitutional petitions and compensation cases will be filed before the High Court.
Traffic wardens claim that more than 99% of motorcyclists now wear helmets, making it impossible to impose fines under the current directive. They claim the order effectively forces them to impose fines regardless of compliance and described it as an illegal attempt to extort the public. The dispute has created significant tension between traffic officers and guards, with many refusing to implement
