The new Amended Motor Vehicles Act comes into effect from 01.09.19. Though some States have already implemented it, some States like Punjab, West Bengal, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh have decided to review it since it is a State subject and they are empowered to modify it. Goa is likely to implement it coming week perhaps not to put a dampener on ongoing festivities. The Goa government will do well to implement it only after we have motorable roads and stray cattle are reigned in and also all sign boards and other amenities are in place for safe driving. Else it will be difficult to follow some basic road rules like sticking to your lane.
There are plenty of instances right now where a good chunk of the lane is missing and all you have are craters and potholes. One of the basic rules is that we should not overtake from the left. But when you are confronted with herds of cattle blocking your way or huge craters making it impossible to stick to your lane, what does one do in such circumstances?
Section 67 of the Act stipulates the desirability of preventing the deterioration of the road systems. Safety of road users depends to a great extent on the conditions of the roads. The State government will do well, in the prevailing circumstances, to conduct an in-depth study on the causes and analysis of road accidents.
Section 198 of the Act mandates that failure of the designated authority/contractor to comply with standards for road design, construction and maintenance, shall be punishable.
Recently we had an example in Kerala where the District Magistrate ordered the arrest and imprisonment of a KWA official held responsible for accidental death on road due to prevailing potholes. Goa government too should ensure that the contractors who build sub standard roads and engineers who certify them as motorable perhaps for a consideration, are equally held responsible and stringent action should be taken. Safety and vulnerability of road users should be prime concern of the govt.
While there is no denying the fact that stringent fines can instill road discipline, the fines should not be too harsh and unreasonable.
The govt needs to sensitise the traffic police on their role of following the rules with a compassionate and humane approach rather than appearing as harsh and blunt. There may be some black sheep in the force too who will be tempted to make a fast buck now that the official fines are hefty.
Govt should view such cases strictly and exemplary punishment and not just suspension is required to discourage such acts.
All said and done the government which claims to be people friendly should walk the talk by holding in abeyance the implementation of the amended MV Act till such time as conditions are favourable to implement it and also review some clauses which may appear too harsh.
