Tough measures for law breakers

The Road Safety and Transport Bill 2014 will make defaulters pay through the nose

INDIAN ROADS ARE not the safest. Whether it is due to the lack of severity of penalties, or lack of enforcement, we need better safety rules. The ever growing number of road accidents has now prompted a response from the Government of India. The recently proposed Road Safety and Transport Bill 2014 is holsitic, addressing concerns like the issuing of driving licenses, and penalties for driving drunk. The proposals will be discussed at the winter session of Parliament.

Under the bill, various subcommittees will be set up to address issues such as the promotion of innovation and new technology adoption, setting up of a combined information system to keep a record of licenses issued, vehicles registered, insurance, road accidents, offences and penalties, and setting a basic safety standard (think Indian NCAP) for manufacturers.

Even pot-holed roads are under scrutiny with a committee to oversee the quality of roads, and the use of speed cameras.

The draft also sets a high fine and detailed norms for rule-breakers. Negligent driving can lead to the confiscation of the driving license and substantial fines. The owner of a car that doesn't meet the government issued safety standards can be fined up to ` 1 lakh and get a year's jail sentence. Those found without a helmet (on a two-wheeler) or without seatbelts fastened will be liable to fines of ` 1500-2500. Running red lights may be a thing of the past as a third offence will result in a fine of ` 15,000, compulsory refresher training, and licence cancellation for a month. Drunk driving will incur a fine of ` 15,000 and/ or imprisonment for up to 12 months, and a 6-month license suspension.

The government aims to reduce road fatalities by 20 per cent.