Commuters bear the brunt after Delhi Transport Union's day strike against traffic fines
The strike has been called to protest against the hefty fines imposed for violating traffic rules under the newly amended Motor Vehicles (MV) Act 2019.
Several passengers remain stranded at the airport, railway and metro stations, bus stops, offices across the national capital on Thursday as the Delhi Transport Union called for a one-day strike.
The strike has been called to protest against the hefty fines imposed for violating traffic rules under the newly amended Motor Vehicles (MV) Act 2019.
Also Read: How to renew driving license: These are the easy steps to avoid hefty fines for using old documents
A large number of public vehicles, like buses and autos are on strike on Thursday against the fines, inconveniencing several commuters in Delhi and NCR who depend on these modes of transportation.
Last month, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways had notified the provisions of the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019, which was implemented in several states from September 1.
Also Read: How to renew motor vehicle insurance: Follow these steps to avoid paying hefty fines
The law enforces heavy fines and stricter penalties for traffic violations. There have been several instances where people have coughed up hefty fines for traffic violations in many parts of the country.
(With inputs from ANI)
A man walks in front of auto-rickshaws seen parked along a road, during transport strike in New Delhi on Thursday.
Speaking about the transport union strike, an auto-rickshaw driver, Sanjay Kumar Shah said, "The rate of the challans (fines) are very high. Earlier we paid Rs 100 fine which has now increased to Rs 25,000. So we are against this implementation. Our earnings can't meet the heights of challans." (Photo: PTI)
Train passengers walk outside the New Delhi Railway station as most of the Taxi, Uber and Auto-rickshaws went off the road during the public transport strike against new fines being levied under the new Motor Vehicles Act in New Delhi on Thursday.
Outlining the plight of commuters, a Delhi local said, "As all the buses and autos are on strike, it is getting difficult for us to manage today. I have been standing at the bus stand for more than an hour. The government should not keep such high challans. It is difficult for the auto people to pay. Their earnings are way less than the challans they are asked to pay." (Photo: ANI)
A driver sits idle in his autorickshaw outside New Delhi Railway Station as most of the taxies and auto-rickshaws were off the roads due to transport strike in New Delhi. (Photo: PTI)
A view of the Azadpur Mandi during a one-day strike called by UTFA and other transport organizations in New Delhi on Thursday.
A group of auto drivers trying to force other auto drivers to take part in a one-day strike called by UFTA and others transport organisation in New Delhi on Thursday. (Photo: ANI)
Passengers cross a road with their luggage, outside Delhi Airport during transport strike on Thursday.
Commuters faced difficulties in reaching their destinations as several private buses, taxis and autorickshaws remained off the roads due to a strike called by the UFTA against the amended Motor Vehicle Act provisions. (Photo: PTI)
Earlier, the fine for jumping red-lights was Rs 1000. As per the new provisions, it has been revised five times up to Rs 5000. Driving without wearing the seat belt, which earlier invited a fine of Rs 100, will now attract a fine of Rs 1000.
* The fine for rash driving has also been revised from Rs 1,000 to Rs 5,000. And if caught for drunken driving, one needs to cough up a hefty fine of Rs 10,000.
* If you have forgotten your license at home, it would cost you dearly. The fine for driving without a license is Rs 5,000. Driving without a copy of insurance will also invite a fine of Rs 2,000.
* Heavier penalty will also be levied on those driving beyond the permissible speed limit. As per the bill, over-speeding would invite penalty between Rs 1,000 – Rs 2,000.
* The proposed amendment also takes up the issue of juvenile drivers, who often end up meeting with road accidents. A new section 199A has been introduced, according to which if a juvenile is caught driving a vehicle, his guardian and the owner of the vehicle would be deemed guilty. A steep fine of Rs 25,000, with imprisonment up to three years, would be levied on such defaulters. The registration of the vehicle will also be cancelled. Besides, the juvenile will not be issued a licence until he reaches the age of 25.
* Penalties have also been hiked for two-wheeler riders. Riding without wearing a helmet will invite a fine of Rs 500 on the first occasion, and if repeated twice, the fine will be Rs 1500. The fine for triple riding has also been increased from Rs 100 to Rs 500.
Elaborating on the implementation of new norms relating to traffic penalties, NS Bundela, Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic) on Saturday said, "The government has made various changes in the traffic rules, penalty amounts have been increased, some new sections have been added and traffic team has already been briefed about this in a meeting".
The Delhi traffic chief also stated that the changes that are to be made have been communicated to the traffic staff at ground level and are expected to further deter the erring drivers from flouting norms.
"There is a need to increase public awareness and our motive will be to ensure that people drive safely. We will work towards making our roads safer for citizens", he added.