New traffic rules face resistance from states, even from the BJP ruled ones
The Motor Vehicles Amendment Act , which came into effect from September 1, has been facing flak from all qaurters including state governments that are currently helmed by the BJP. The new rules seek to tighten road traffic regulations such as the issuance of driving licence and impose stricter penalties for violations in an attempt to improve road safety. The hefty fines have not gone down well with the citizens, forcing many state governments to either announce a cut in penalties or put a stay on implementation of new rules. BJP-ruled Gujarat and Uttarakhand have already announced a cut in penalties. The reduction in fines in Gujarat is as steep as 90 per cent in some cases. Karnataka has said it will also soon announce a cut in penalties. "I have instructed our officials that we will follow that order here also. Mostly in about two-three days like in Gujarat, here also we will try to cut the penalties that are high," Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa said...