The Union Government is coming up with a bill to change the Motor Vehicles Act, with a view to streamlining matters relating to road use and safety. With a huge increase in vehicle population on the roads, an unprecedented situation is at hand. Several cities are witnessing chaotic situations due to the intensity of traffic, lack of sufficient road width and unruly behaviour on the part of sections of motorists. Ludicrously low levels of fines, like imposition of Rs 100 or 200, also is a reason for rule-violations.
Helmet use is sure to reduce the intensity of accidents. It saves one’s head. Yet, youths and even elders are often reticent about using this device, and there are those who cite excuses and argue their case against use of helmets. Such irresponsible activism should be checked; and there is need to raise the fine amounts to higher levels. The Union Government is doing precisely that, among other things, by way of coming up with amendments to the MV Act – something that it did in the last Lok Sabha but failed to pass in the upper house.
Among other things, the amendments seek to raise the fine for helmetless-ride to Rs 1,000 from the existing Rs 400; drunk driving to Rs 10,000 from the present Rs 2,000; non-use of seat belts meaning a fine of 1,000 instead of the present Rs 100; use of mobile phone while driving to mean a fine of Rs 5,000 instead of Rs 1,000 at present and not giving side to Ambulance meaning a fine of Rs 10,000; while parents have to pay Rs 25,000 if under-age children drive vehicles. The new rules would also heavily penalise contractors for defects in road constructions resulting in mishaps, a Rs 10 lakh compensation for hit-and-run cases, and a fine of Rs 500crore for companies manufacturing defective vehicle engines. Looks fine.
Raising the fine amounts helps in two ways – one, to reduce instances of rule violations; and two, a massive revenue to the exchequer. The more faults on the citizens’ side, the more the strain on them, and the more the government earns. The flip side is about the way the implementation would be done. Cops are used to taking undue advantage. They are likely to misuse the provisions to tax the ordinary citizens even in situations where an inadvertent rule violation takes place; like, “not giving side,” to a police vehicle. This calls for suitable redressal mechanisms for the public too to work effectively.