The Punjab government has officially ended the facility of free vehicle emission testing, making it mandatory for all vehicle owners to pay a fixed fee for the service. The decision, announced through a formal notification issued by the Environment Protection Department (EPD), is part of the province’s efforts to regulate emissions and strengthen compliance with environmental standards.
New Fee Structure for Emission Testing
According to the notification, the charges vary by vehicle type and engine capacity:
- Motorcycles: Rs. 100
- Rickshaws: Rs. 300
- Cars up to 1000cc: Rs. 500
- Cars up to 1500cc: Rs. 800
- Cars up to 2500cc: Rs. 1,000
- Cars up to 4500cc: Rs. 1,500
- Vehicles above 4500cc: Rs. 2,000
This marks a shift from the previous system where testing was conducted free of cost.
Payment Procedure
The Environment Protection Department clarified that all payments must be deposited directly into the official EPA account at the time of testing. This measure is intended to ensure transparency in revenue collection and eliminate the possibility of unauthorized fee collection.
Environmental Significance
The new policy is aligned with the government’s broader efforts to combat air pollution and smog, particularly in urban centers like Lahore, Faisalabad, and Rawalpindi. By imposing a fee structure, the government expects more vehicle owners to take emission testing seriously, contributing to cleaner air and healthier living conditions.
Public Response
While the move has been welcomed by environmentalists as a step toward stricter regulation, some motorists have expressed concerns about the added financial burden. However, officials argue that the relatively nominal fees will encourage compliance without being overly burdensome.
The updated system is expected to play a critical role in improving air quality and ensuring vehicles on Punjab’s roads meet emission standards.
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