SC bans heavy bikes from motorways

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court of Pakistan has banned heavy bikes from riding on the motorway, BOL News reported.

A three-judge bench led by Justice Sardar Tariq Masood heard an appeal filed by the Ministry of Communications and the Inspector General (IG) National Highways and Motorway Police (NHMP) against an Islamabad High Court (IHC) order given four years ago.

The court overruled a four-year-old verdict of the Islamabad High Court which allowed heavy bikes on the motorway.

The top court remarked that the authorities had appropriately limited motorcyclists under the legislation to guarantee public safety.

The court issued a nine-page verdict on the appeal. It ordered improved standard operating procedures (SOPs) for riding motorbikes on the highway.

Justice Muhammad Ali Mazahir stated that the motorway restriction levied on motorcycles under Section 45 of the National Highway Safety Ordinance (NHSO) 2000 was legal and could not be interpreted as a violation of any fundamental right to life or liberty.

He observed that this clause was not challenged before the IHC as being ultra vires (beyond the powers) of the Constitution or the NHSO.

The ruling stated the government may ban or limit the operation of motor vehicles or any designated type of motor vehicle in a specific area or on a specified route for the safety or convenience of the general public.

In March 2019, the National Highway and Motorways Police (NHMP) has allowed heavy bikes on the Motorways.

The court granted permission to 600cc bikes on the motorway. As per the terms and conditions, NHMP issued a card to the bikers which would be revoked if speed of bike would exceed 30km the prescribed limits of 110km or non-compliance of the traffic rules.

A person less than 30 years of age will not be allowed, pillion riding, one wheeling and rash driving would also result in cancellation of the bikers card. In case a card is revoked, the biker cannot apply afresh before six month time period.

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