In a major development for Punjab's motorway and road users, the authorities have introduced a new and faster mechanism to do away with invalid automatic fines. The Punjab Safe Cities Authority (PSCA) has updated the e-challan system of Punjab under which citizens will now be able to file a complaint against wrongly issued traffic tickets within 24 hours only. The aim of this new initiative is to provide immediate relief to citizens who face unnecessary financial burden due to wrong cameras or number plate impersonations.

Release of new procedural details and complaints

In the old system, citizens had to go through long delays and rounds of offices after receiving a wrong challan, but now the scope has been limited to ensure prompt action. If you receive a fine that is not due on your vehicle, you should immediately approach the relevant helpline or online portal. According to the authorities, this fast-track system aims to improve the following issues:

  • Immediate investigation of all wrongly issued traffic tickets
  • Stop wastage of valuable time of citizens and get rid of unnecessary rounds of offices
  • Investigation of the complaint and implementation of the decision within twenty four hours after receiving the complaint
  • Prompt reporting of technical faults in the cameras system

What should you do now?

If you drive in Lahore, Rawalpindi or any city in Punjab where camera-based surveillance systems are active, you need to be extra careful. Keep your mobile number updated with the concerned department so that the fine SMS can be received timely. Whenever you receive a notification, immediately review the position, time and location of the vehicle. If you feel that a mistake has been made, file your complaint online before the 24-hour deadline so that you don't have to go through the courts or banks.

What to expect next?

Officials are now working on further automating the system so that false readings can be automatically filtered through artificial intelligence (AI). In coming days it is also likely that after registering the complaint you will get a digital receipt which will enable live tracking of the case. Citizens are advised to always keep their vehicle number plates clearly visible and strictly obey traffic rules to avoid any trouble.