Starting January 1, 2025, Rawalpindi’s City Traffic Police (CTP) will officially roll out an e-challan system for traffic violations. The initiative, powered by Safe City cameras, marks a significant step towards modernizing traffic management and improving public safety. The system aims to enforce traffic regulations, curb violations, and contribute to the identification of criminal activities through round-the-clock surveillance.
How the E-Challan System Works
The e-challan system will rely on an extensive network of Safe City cameras installed across key locations in Rawalpindi. These cameras will monitor major highways and critical intersections, capturing violations and issuing fines. Offenders will receive their challans via mobile phones or at their home addresses, ensuring a seamless and efficient process.
The Safe City Control Room, operated by the Punjab Safe City Authority (PSCA) near Jinnah Park, will oversee the project, ensuring accuracy and transparency. The system takes inspiration from similar successful initiatives across Punjab, combining cutting-edge technology with efficient traffic monitoring.
Key Surveillance Locations in Rawalpindi
Cameras have been strategically installed at high-traffic areas, including:
- COD Chowk
- Liaquat Bagh
- Raja Bazaar
- Chandni Chowk
- Jinnah Park
- Faizabad Metro Station
- Other prominent locations
The cameras are already operational, providing 24/7 surveillance and recording to ensure comprehensive monitoring.
Traffic Violations and Penalties
The e-challan system will target a range of traffic offenses, issuing fines based on photographic evidence to ensure fairness. Violations include:
For Motorcycles:
- Riding without front or rear indicators
- Driving without a helmet (fine: Rs. 1,500)
- Using non-specimen number plates (fine: Rs. 2,000)
- Driving in the fast lane or without proper documentation (e.g., license or national identity card)
- Minors driving motorcycles: Guardians may face FIRs for underage riders.
For Cars:
- Overspeeding
- Wrong-way driving
- Failure to wear seat belts
- Using tinted windows or non-computerized number plates
Transparency and Public Benefits
The e-challan system addresses long-standing public grievances regarding unnecessary fines and manual discrepancies. By utilizing photographic evidence captured by cameras, disputes over fines are minimized, ensuring fair and transparent enforcement of traffic laws.
Safe City Project: Enhancing Public Safety
The e-challan initiative is part of the broader Safe City project, designed to enhance safety and compliance across Rawalpindi’s roadways. With its successful implementation, the system will expand its scope to include additional traffic violations and further improve highway safety.
Beyond traffic management, the Safe City cameras are also expected to aid in crime prevention and the identification of criminal activities, making Rawalpindi a safer place for its residents and visitors.
A Step Toward Smarter Urban Management
The introduction of the e-challan system signifies a shift towards smarter urban management and technology-driven governance. It reflects the authorities’ commitment to promoting safety, compliance, and transparency in traffic regulations.
As Rawalpindi prepares for the e-challan system launch in 2025, the initiative promises to bring greater order and efficiency to the city’s bustling streets. With its focus on innovation and accountability, the system is set to transform how traffic violations are monitored and addressed.
Afsheen Gohar is a seasoned writer with a wealth of experience in crafting authentic and well-researched articles. Her dedication to delivering high-quality content is evident in her work, where she combines a passion for storytelling with a commitment to accuracy and depth. Afsheen’s writing reflects her ability to engage readers with compelling narratives while providing valuable insights on a diverse range of topics.
