New Speed Rules on Sharea Faisal Leave Drivers Confused

The newly launched automated e-ticketing system in Karachi has triggered hundreds of traffic fines for speeding, even as officials are yet to set proper speed limits on major roads. The first week of the Traffic Regulation and Citation System (Tracs) saw 1,967 tickets issued from October 27 to November 3.

Authorities installed speed limit signs on Sharea Faisal last week, but traffic police admitted that a citywide speed framework is still under development. In an initial phase, a limit of 60 km/h has been applied for cars, motorbikes, and light transport vehicles (LTVs), while heavy transport vehicles (HTVs) are restricted to 30 km/h.

DIG Traffic Pir Mohammed Shah told reporters that “road-specific speed limits” are not yet finalized. A full road safety and engineering audit is ongoing, which will consider road layout, pedestrian crossings, traffic flow, and access points. He said interim limits are currently in place: 60 km/h for HTVs and 30 km/h for cars, motorcycles, and LTVs.

Daily commuters on Sharea Faisal have raised concerns, arguing that 60 km/h is too slow on a nearly signal-free corridor stretching from Hotel Metropole to Karachi Airport. Some observers said speed limits for cars should be around 80 km/h and 60 km/h for motorbikes, noting that VVIP motorcades travel at speeds over 100 km/h.

READ MORE: Lahore Launches Crackdown on Smoke-Emitting Vehicles

The DIG defended the speed limit, emphasizing safety over traffic flow. “Sharea Faisal remains a mixed-use urban road, with pedestrians, service lanes, and vehicles entering from side roads,” he said. He added that higher speeds could lead to more severe accidents, particularly involving heavy vehicles.

He also noted that Sharea Faisal continues to host private vehicles, motorbikes, and ride-hailing traffic even at night. Heavy vehicles are restricted to 30 km/h due to their braking distance and potential impact in accidents.