LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Friday sought reports from the city traffic officers (CTOs) of all the 36 districts of Punjab about implementation of traffic laws, including helmets for riding motorcyclists.

Justice Ali Akbar Qureshi was hearing a petition seeking strict implementation of the court’s order regarding use of helmets by the motorcyclists. Only three CTOs attended the proceedings as others could not make it to the high court due to ongoing protests regarding Aasia Bibi’s case.

The petitioner’s counsel stated there was a significant decline in road accidents since the court ordered for strict enforcement of traffic laws.

He said the traffic flow was witnessed in routine on roads after the citizens had started obeying the rules.

He pleaded that the traffic rules and restriction of wearing helmets was required to be implemented in letter and spirit to avoid road accidents.

Justice Qureshi observed that the implementation of traffic rules be ensured, adding that the cases of head injuries had decreased significantly.

The judge sought a report from the health secretary over the ratio of road accidents after the use of helmets by the motorcyclists. He also directed the CTOs of all the districts to submit reports about enforcement of the traffic laws by next week.

Previously, the judge had directed the Punjab inspector general of police (IGP) to strictly implement the regulation of wearing helmets by motorcyclists in the province.

Published in Dawn, November 3rd, 2018