Transporters to observe country-wide strike over ‘heavy’ increase in fines

LAHORE: All Pakistan Transport Owners Federation (APTOF) today will witness a nationwide strike against the government’s heavy increase in fines, media reported.
The Federal Cabinet approved a massive increase in fines on highways and motorways last year in November.
According to a survey, the fine that was Rs750 across the board for each violation will now be Rs1,500 for motorcycle speed, Rs2,500 for cars, Rs5,000 for buses, and Rs10,000 for public service vehicles.
Azam Khan Niazi, Chairman of the APTOF News, said the strike will continue until the notice of the increase is removed.
“Transporters have decided to protest across country from Karachi to Peshawar,” he said.
“The heavy fine of Rs10,000 is unacceptable,” he said. “After failure of talks with the government the alliance decided to go on strike.”
Certain fines include Rs1,500 for motorcycle and car rider overtaking. While those car drivers and motorcyclists who find themselves doing a wrong U-turn are going to pay Rs1,000, heavy vehicles will pay Rs3,000 fine.
A fine of Rs1,500 will be paid from all passengers for traffic violations involving dangerous driving.