Union road transport minister Nitin Gadkari.
As the Centre imposes heftier penalties for traffic rule violations and reports keep coming in of people being fined as much as Rs 40,000, Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari clarified that he hopes for a time when no one would be penalised and everyone will follow the rules.
Speaking at the annual SIAM convention in Delhi, Gadkari said, "The government does not desire to raise the limits of fine. The issue is that a time should come that no one gets penalised and everyone follows the rules."
Gadkari said that people should respect and fear the rule of the law. He said, "Who will be responsible of accidents caused by those who don't follow traffic laws."
The comments come in the days after the new Motor Vehicles Act came into force on September 1, which levies higher penalties for traffic rule violations.
Driving under the influence of alcohol, not giving way to ambulances or fire brigade will attract a penalty of Rs 10,000 or imprisonment starting September 1. In some cases, an individual violating rules could end up paying the fine and going to jail.
If two-wheeler owners are caught riding without helmets, they will not only have to pay a fine of Rs 1,000 but could have their licences suspended for the next three months.
Penalties have been increased under the new law to make people more aware of road safety; earlier people would bribe their way after violating rules as the penalties were low compared to the fresh amendment.
On Wednesday, a drunk autorickshaw driver was fined Rs 47,500 by the transport department on Wednesday for driving without a valid permit, licence, registration and under the new rules.
On Tuesday, Gurugram traffic police issued a challan of Rs 23,000 to a two-wheeler rider for multiple violations under the amended Motor Vehicle Act.
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