Mission Safe Ludhiana relaunched with strong emphasis on high security number plates  

Ludhiana, September 15, 2021: Relaunching Mission Safe Ludhiana 2020 as Mission Safe Ludhiana 2021 post easing of Pandemic situation, Dr Kamaljeet Soi Member- National Road Safety Council , Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, Government of India & Chairman of the NGO Raahat - The Safe Community Foundation & President – Global Society of Safety Professionals, has ensured better compliance of Road Safety regulations in the state of Punjab.  Determined to take up this Socio, Psycho & Economic issue more diligently Dr Soi has emphasized upon the strict implementation of High Security Registration Plates.
Addressing the media persons here today, he said the program was initiated by the Punjab Government in year 2012 but nothing much moved in this direction for years However, following the lockdown during Covid-19 outbreak, this mission was stalled. Thus almost 20 lakh vehicles are still plying sans HSRP on the roads of Punjab., the need of the hour is a complete implementation of HSRP code and effective follow-up
The Principal Secretary, Government of Punjab, Department of Transport had notified a penalty/ challan amount of Rs. 2000/- for first offence and Rs. 3000/- for subsequent offence via notification number 10/166/2009- 1T2/809 dated the 27thJuly 2020 for vehicle owners who have still not affixed HSRPs on their vehicles. Conversely, in the last 15 months, the Traffic Police has not undertaken any enforcement drive that has resulted in nonchalant attitude on the part of the vehicle owners.  
To add to the problems, some miscreants under a fraudulent practice are affixing counterfeit/ fake HSRPs on the vehicles.
Although some of these vehicles have been impounded by the Police, a large number of vehicles are still plying on the roads without HSRPs. An immediate action is required to stop this menace or these vehicles will remain a threat to the security of the state in particular and the nation at large.
Keeping in mind the existing scenario, the Office of the State Transport Commissioner, Punjab, vide letter number STC – P(P-2)/20502-602 has sent a communication dated the 12th of August 2021 to all the Regional Transport authorities as well as to the Sub Divisional Magistrates in the State highlighting the same concern.
He added that the official notification clearly indicates that Vanity Numbers which had been allotted to the vehicle owners in lieu of payment after 12.06.1989 with registration mark other than “PB” State code and other parts of the registration mark and are not in conformity with the Motor Vehicle Act, 1988 should be surrendered to the state. Also, the vehicle owners have been asked to get new registration marks in conformity to the above said Act