Punjab moves to scrap old, polluting vehicles

The Punjab government has approved a major decision to tackle old, unfit and environmentally harmful vehicles across

The Punjab government has approved a major decision to tackle old, unfit and environmentally harmful vehicles across the province.

Under a new ordinance, vehicles considered no longer fit for use can be officially declared scrap and taken to authorised scrapping centres.

The ordinance includes vehicles whose registration has expired, been cancelled or otherwise terminated. Vehicles that fail to obtain mandatory fitness or smoke-emission certificates may also be declared end-of-life vehicles and become subject to scrapping.

Vehicles destroyed in road accidents, fires or natural disasters may also qualify for scrapping under the new system.

Vehicle owners will also have the option to voluntarily hand over their unusable vehicles for scrapping.

The government will establish a formal system of scrapping centres across Punjab. Both public and private facilities will be allowed to operate under regulations to be developed by the provincial government.

At these centres, usable components will be removed from old vehicles for possible reuse. The remaining parts will be processed for recycling instead of being left abandoned or disposed of improperly.

The new framework specifically targets older vehicles that contribute to air pollution through excessive smoke and emissions.

Governor Punjab has approved a third major amendment to the Motor Vehicles Ordinance, paving the way for the new system to take effect immediately.

Under the amended law, vehicles whose registration has been cancelled will be classified as “End-of-Life Vehicles” and handled according to the new scrapping framework.

The Punjab government says the initiative is aimed at reducing vehicular emissions and controlling pollution across the province.

Officials are expected to formulate detailed rules governing vehicle inspections, classification, transportation and disposal through authorised scrapping facilities.

The move is part of broader efforts to improve environmental conditions and remove unsafe and heavily polluting vehicles from Punjab’s roads.