Chief Minister Raghubar Das directed the transport department to provide a three-month time to vehicle owners for getting their documents updated. During this period, the department has been directed to organise awareness drives across the State to inform people about the new Motor Vehicles Act and traffic rules.
During this period, the drivers will not be fined for not possessing proper documents, but fine will continue to be imposed on those who do not wear helmet or seat belt, are found drunk driving or rash driving.
Citizens welcomed this move and appreciated the CM for understanding their problems. Naveen Singh, a businessman said, “The sudden increase of fine and people being fined heavily for minor issues without any warning was definitely uncalled for. I thank the Chief Minister for giving us some time to get our documents updated.”
Similarly, Manisha Raj, a working woman thanked the CM for understanding the problems of citizens. “Now that we have some time in hand we can understand the law and get our documents updated accordingly. Earlier, we were scared to use our vehicles, unknowing what may lead to imposing of fines,” she said.
Sanjay Gupta, a banker said that while the new Act has definitely led to many people follow traffic rule, this exemption for a few days was very much needed so that people are not fined heavily for minor mistakes. “Those who drive rashly or are found drunk driving should definitely be fined. But if a person does not have a pollution under control (PUC) certificate then he should be given some time to update it because it is not a life threatening crime,” he said.
On Saturday, the CM held a high level review meeting with Transport Minister CP Singh, Chief Secretary DK Tiwari, Additional Chief Secretary (home) Sukhdeo Singh, DGP KN Choubey and other senior officials regarding the problems faced by citizens after imposition of the new Act.
The CM directed the enforcement agencies of transport department and traffic police officials to spread awareness about the amended law among citizens. He also directed the transport department to provide all public facilities related to this Act immediately and install camps to help citizens update their documents.
The CM said that this has to be done for the next three months so that citizens have ample time in their hand to update the papers. During these three months awareness drives have to be organised at a grand level so that every individual gets aware of the law.
Appealing to the 3.25 crore population of the State Das said, "Follow traffic rules and don't do rash driving. Protect the life of yours and others on the road while driving."