Bombay High Court asks govt to put a break on racing two-wheelers

The Bombay High Court (HC) on Monday asked the state government to look into the growing issue of racing two-wheeler riders on major roads such as the Western Express Highway, Eastern Express Way, Marine Drive, etc to ensure the safety of Mumbaikars, especially during the night.

A division bench of Justice Shantanu Kemkar and Justice Girish Kulkarni said, "Of course speed governors are must for transport vehicles, but don't you want to consider imposing the same rule on private vehicles also, especially two-wheelers, who move at high speeds during the night time. Don't they also pose a threat to pedestrians and other motorists?"

The court made this observation while hearing a petition filed by Mumbai Taximen's union and Mumbai Bus Malak Sangathana, challenging Central government rules making it mandatory for transport vehicles to install speed governors. Advocate GS Hegde appearing for the union argued that by the notification issued, the government had made it compulsory for all commercial vehicles to install speed governors. "The notification limits the speed to 80 kmph. However, manufacturers are not providing the same. So even if we are desirous we are unable to install for unavailability, in old model taxis," said Hegde.

The court asked the Union government to consider its decision since there is non-availability of the old models. "Do consider their plea as otherwise they have all licenses, it is their breadwinner, see if the government can relax it for them." The court has asked the government to consider it within three weeks, take a decision and inform the court about the same on the next date of hearing.