Delhites will soon have to pay a fine of Rs2,000 for obstructing dedicated lanes for buses. lieutenant-Governor Najeeb Jung on Monday approved a notification of the Delhi Government of exclusive bus lanes, similar to those that were carved out on arterial stretches during the 2010 Commonwealth Games.
However, the l-G has also directed the Government to amend the notification to ensure smooth movement of traffic and maintenance of public order. The order implies that henceforth nobody will be allowed to park his or her vehicle on the dedicated bus lane.
According to Raj Niwas, the file related to notification of dedicated bus lanes in Delhi was submitted to the l-G office on the evening of June 3 (Friday) 2016, clarifying some of the issues raised in the note of the Raj Niwas on February 26. On June 6 (Monday), the l-G has accorded approval to the proposal.
“However, since some aspects of the scheme require further clarity, the l-G has directed the GNCTD to address the following in the notification, to ensure smooth movement of traffic and maintenance of public order that include holding formal consultation with the Delhi Traffic Police and incorporating their inputs; Roads to be covered under the scheme to be carefully identified and specified; Clarifying whether motorised vehicles other than buses and goods vehicles are to be allowed in the dedicated bus lanes, and under what conditions.
“Explicitly stating that buses and goods vehicles shall move only in dedicated bus lanes where provided, and penal provisions to be indicated for such violations; Apart from idle parking, penal provisions for violation of restrictions/conditions for plying of other vehicles in identified bus lanes to be stated; Specifying delegation of powers to officers of various departments for prosecuting different offences/violations; Appropriate relaxations for plying of vehicles on emergency duties to be provided,” Raj Niwas said.
As per the notification, you can drive your car or bike in the bus lane, but you cannot stop there. Parking or obstruction of bus lanes will not be allowed. A fine of Rs2,000 has been proposed to impose on those who park their cars on dedicated bus lanes or encroach upon it or cause obstructions to the plying of buses.