‘It’s Too Harsh’: Mamata Refuses to Implement Motor Vehicle Act

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said the fines under new traffic rules will overburden the people.

WB CM Mamata Banerjee recently lashed out at TMC members for taking ‘cut money’ 

(Photo: PTI)

A day after the Gujarat government announced a drastic cut in the penalties for traffic violations, West Bengal Chief Minister on Wednesday, 11 September, said she will not implement Motor Vehicle Act as it will be “overburden people”.

“I can't implement this Motor Vehicle Act right now because our government officials are of the opinion that if we implement it will be overburden people,” she said.

‘MOTOR VEHICLE ACT TOO HARSH’

The West Bengal CM called the new Motor Vehicles Act "too harsh" and said it was against the federal structure of the government.

According to her, the implementation of the Act would hurt the general people and that the party had opposed the amendments in Parliament as well, NDTV reported. She further suggested the problem needs to be looked at from the "humanitarian point of view".

STATE GOVERNMENTS DIFFER ON NEW RULES

The Centre had supported tightening of traffic rules, saying it will help make the country's roads safer, however, few state governments beg to differ.

Gujarat government on Tuesday slashed the fines under new rules. While the Central law has proposed a fine of Rs 1,000 for pillion rider not wearing helmet, this provision will not be implemented at all in Gujarat, Rupani said.

Rajasthan too, is approaching the new provisions with caution, NDTV reported.

Rajasthan transport minister Pratap Singh Khachariyawas had said earlier this month that they can at least reduce the fines.

According to a NDTV report, Road Transport and Highways of India Minister Nitin Gadkari on Wednesday said the "states will be responsible" for diluting the increased traffic fines.

He had appealed to states against softening a new law that imposes steep fines for traffic violations.

"This isn't a revenue income scheme, are you not worried about deaths of 1,50,000 people?"

WHAT DO THE NEW RULES SAY?

The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill was cleared by the Parliament in July and came into effect on 1 September.

Under the new rules, the fine for riding a two-wheeler without a helmet has been increased to Rs 1,000 from Rs 100.

Using cellphones while driving can invite a fine between Rs 1,000-5,000 which was earlier Rs 1,000.

For drunk driving, the fine has been hiked from Rs 2,000 to Rs 10,000. Speeding has a penalty anywhere between Rs 1,000- Rs 2,000.

(With inputs from ANI and NDTV)