KARACHI:
Dashboard cameras, cabin cameras, and rear-view cameras must be installed in heavy vehicles to assess driver behavior, Sindh police IG said during a meeting held at the Central Police Office to find sustainable solutions for Karachi’s increasing traffic accidents.
The meeting decided to instruct truck and dumper owners to install cameras, trackers, and protective shields within three months to enhance road safety.
According to the Sindh Police spokesperson, the meeting was chaired by IG Sindh Ghulam Nabi Memon and attended by Karachi Commissioner Syed Hasan Zaidi, Karachi Police Chief Javed Alam Odho, Provincial Transport Secretary Asad Zaman, Zonal DIGs, DIGs of Driving License and Traffic, District and Traffic SSPs, as well as representatives from PTA, RTA, and other relevant departments.
During the session, DIG Traffic provided a detailed briefing on Karachi’s traffic problems, causes of accidents, and both short- and long-term measures to improve road safety.
He highlighted that in recent months, traffic accidents have risen significantly, especially in Malir and West districts.
Key causes include, untrained drivers operating heavy vehicles, poor road conditions and ill-maintained vehicles, mental and physical health issues among drivers, lack of traffic signals and infrastructure, and the traditional, inefficient challan (fine) system.
He told the meeting that to address these issues, internationally standardized driver training programs and the establishment of certified driving schools in both public and private sectors were deemed essential.
Karachi Commissioner Syed Hasan Zaidi pointed out that both heavy and light vehicles contribute equally to fatal accidents and stressed the need for immediate, practical steps to prevent traffic mishaps.
The Provincial Transport Secretary informed the meeting that the fitness inspection of commercial vehicles has already begun, with two fitness centers operational and six more set to open in the coming months. He proposed that commercial driving licenses should only be issued to drivers certified by an accredited driving school.
Mandatory cameras, trackers
Karachi Police Chief Javed Alam Odho emphasized the urgency of installing trackers and cameras in heavy vehicles, urging collaboration with relevant stakeholders to develop a comprehensive strategy. He also advocated for public-private partnerships to establish driver training schools.
During the meeting, IG Sindh Ghulam Nabi Memon issued clear directives that truck and dumper owners must install cameras, trackers, and protective wheel shields within three months to monitor over-speeding.
He said public awareness campaigns should be launched to educate truck drivers and owners about these safety measures.
Moreover, the top cop of Sindh directed that dashboard cameras, cabin cameras, and rear-view cameras must be installed to assess driver behavior.
He also directed the Traffic Engineering Bureau to set and display speed limits for heavy traffic. Memon said a proposal to transform the Traffic Engineering Bureau into a Traffic Authority will be submitted to the Sindh government.
Moreover, Sindh police will recommend stricter penalties to the government, including, doubling fines for unpaid challans, mandatory dope and fatigue tests for drivers, enforcement of weight restrictions, and standardized motorcycle number plates.
Sindh Chief Minister has directed that six major roads in Karachi be developed as model roads, and an immediate digital integration of police, excise, transport, and traffic authorities has been proposed to streamline operations.
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