KARACHI: Motorcycles, buses and rickshaws will have to use separate designated lanes in Sharea Faisal, with violators facing fines under a new traffic management plan announced by the Karachi Traffic Police.
The initiative, floated by DIG Traffic Fellow Muhammad Shah, aims to introduce structured lane discipline on one of the city’s busiest arteries using an existing network of surveillance cameras.
Shah said Geographic news that the system will initially be implemented in Sharea Faisal, where law enforcement infrastructure already exists.
A month-long awareness campaign will be carried out before formal enforcement begins on June 1, he said, explaining that it would allow commuters to familiarize themselves with the new lane rules.
Under the plan, motorcycles, buses, rickshaws and other light transport vehicles, including Mazdas, will have to use the two leftmost lanes.
The remaining lanes, which vary between two and three depending on the stretch, will be reserved for faster traffic, including cars and double cab vehicles.
The top traffic police officer said law enforcement will be supported by the existing camera system, which will issue electronic fines directly to violators.
He added that fines have been set according to the category of vehicle, with motorcycles and rickshaws fined Rs 2,500 and buses fined Rs 7,500 for violations.
Shah said the initiative is designed to improve traffic flow and introduce lane discipline in Karachi for the first time in a structured manner.
