Sindh imposes speed limit, mandatory drug tests for drivers to reduce accidents

Amid the increasing number of accidents in Karachi, the Sindh government has announced a strategy that includes limiting the speed of heavy vehicles and conducting essential drug tests for drivers. 

The decision was taken in a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, attended by Saeed Ghani, Mukesh Kumar Chawla, Zia Lanjar, and Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab.

Inspector General of Sindh Ghulam Nabi Memon briefed the meeting. He explained that in 2024, traffic police collected at least Rs1.33 billion from 1.6 million challans issued for violating traffic rules. 

Cumulatively, the police took action against 512,000 vehicles, arrested 11,287 drivers for breaching traffic rules. To ensure road safety and promote protective driving, at least 7,555 fitness licenses were cancelled, and 650 drivers were booked.

Read: Sindh decides to establish MVI centers to inspect heavy vehicles 

Despite these enforcement actions, the increasing number of accidents raised serious concerns, prompting the Chief Minister to order the traffic and district police to work jointly to reduce road accidents.

CM Shah directed authorities to ensure the installation of trackers and dash cams in heavy vehicles and verify the driving licenses of all heavy vehicle operators.

A speed limit of 30 km/h was imposed on heavy vehicles. CM Shah also instructed the Transport Department, Excise, licensing authority, traffic police, and NADRA to collaborate effectively for the strict enforcement of traffic laws.

Read: Karachi: Over 60 killed in heavy vehicle accidents in just 80 days

According to a spokesperson, CM Murad Ali Shah ordered action against motorcyclists who fail to wear helmets or ride with more than two passengers.

Additionally, vehicles with cancelled fitness certificates should be confiscated, and their re-licensing will be subject to the Transport Department's approval.

CM Sindh made drug testing mandatory for drivers of both heavy and light vehicles and formed a high-level committee under the IG's supervision to ensure the immediate implementation of these decisions.