International Road Federation (IRF) , a Geneva based global body working for better and Safer road Mobility world-wide, has welcomed the passage of Amended Motor Vehicle Act (MVA) in the Rajya Sabha saying that the provision of heavy penality amounts in the bill will help better adherence to traffic rules whihc will help curb increasing road accidents in the country .
“The provision of increased use of technology and fines , the country will soon be reaching a state of e-challan to be sent to the individual breaking the rules. As per new provisions in the Act , the traffic violations will be captured in the camera with a permanent record . This will help in better observance of rules as well as corruption ” said Mr K K Kapila, President Emiritus , International Road Federation (IRF) working for better and sfaer roads world wide.
” The bill will also help in improving the very poor driving licence regime in the country with the increased use of technology with little or no interface with the Examiner, the entire test being recorded, we will have more trained drivers. As far as Heavy Motor Vehicle Drivers are concerned, they have to undergo a test every two years. If someone has not fit as a Driver, he will have to get training and come back. As such, we will over a period of time have properly trained Drivers only. This exercise of re-examination have to be done, in the case of all Motor Vehicle Drivers, even in the light motor vehicle category, where the time period can be anything like 3-5 years.” Mr Kapila said.
“The provision of stringent penalities for road deesign and construction, engineering and maintenance companies will also will make all involved people more cautious and careful. Yes, it is possible to fix the accountability of the government officials as well as contractors.” said MR Kapila, who is also co-chaieperson of FICCI National Committee on Transport Infrastructure.
“Given that Indian roads witness over 500,000 road accidents each year resulting in about 147,000 fatalities, the Motor Vehicles Amendment Bill is an important step towards strengthening the legal framework for improving road safety in India. The passage of Bill will help close major gaps in the legislative framework that governs road safety in the country. India, as a signatory to the United Nations Brasilia Declaration, is committed to reducing road traffic fatalities by 50% by 2020”, said Mr Kapila .
“Number of Road Accident deaths in India being the highest in the world, higher penalties for traffic offences will help in reducing fatal road accidents. Stronger law and stricter deterrent penalties have worked in curbing road accidents world wide. Clearing and implementation of the new MVA, which has provisions for strict Enforcement with appropriate penalties, accompanied by public awareness of the laws will be a critical factor in reducing road traffic injuries and deaths.” said Mr Kapila
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