Lahore Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Syed Abdul Rahim Sherazi has directed all online taxi and ride-hailing companies to hand over complete driver records to the Lahore traffic police for verification. Drivers with serious criminal records will not be allowed to operate on these services.
According to media reports, the CTO issued the orders at a meeting with representatives of ride-hailing companies on passenger safety, driver verification and security technology. He said the protection of citizens’ lives and property is the top priority.
Companies must also install dash cameras and advanced tracking devices in their vehicles. They must fit the QR-based Panic Button in all ride-hailing vehicles as soon as possible. Companies that fail to meet the mandatory safety requirements will face strict action.
More than 100,000 rickshaws, motorcycles and cars in Lahore are linked to online ride-hailing services. The traffic police have so far checked the criminal records of 10,000 commercial vehicle drivers. Of these, 2,050 had criminal records, with 3,700 cases registered against them in total.
The CTO said cameras, tracking devices and other security features will allow effective monitoring of passengers and drivers. The measures will also help prevent crime and assist investigations into road accidents and other incidents.
He added that the technology will give citizens, particularly women, access to safer, more reliable and better-quality transport.
