The Delhi Government is mulling to impose a fine of Rs 2,000 on vehicle owners caught flouting the odd-even formula which will be implemented on an experimental basis from January 1 to 15.
A penal clause is being inserted after the Delhi Police insisted that unless fines are imposed, it will be tough to deter the people from plying their vehicles on the restricted days.
The Delhi Traffic Police may also apply Section 115 of the Motor Vehicles Act which gives any authority authorised in this behalf by the State Government the power to restrict and impound vehicles.
The suggestion to impose fine on the defaulters came during a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday.
“Though, the Government was not in favour of impounding vehicles but the Delhi Traffic Police top brass insisted that there should also be provisions to impound vehicles to deter the people from plying their vehicles against the Government’s order,” said a Delhi Police official, who attended the meeting.
A final blueprint to this effect is expected by December 25.
Earlier, officials of law, Environment and Transport departments have held a meeting with Chief Secretary KK Sharma to find out under which provisions the Government can impose penalty on defaulters of even-odd formula. Motor Vehicle Act and Environment Act have no provisions pertaining to even-odd defaulters.
Special Commissioner of Police, Traffic Dr Muktesh Chander told The Pioneer, “Vehicles plying in the contravention of the Government order will be impounded. Traffic Police will act in accordance with the legal provisions. Section 115 of the Motor Vehicles Act is self explanatory in this regard”.
The Delhi Government is also considering invoking this provision to ensure dedicated lane for buses during trial run of even-odd formula so that commuters do not face any harassment and traffic hassle during peak hours. A dedicated lane is being earmarked for buses across the city.
Air Pollution Coordinating Minister Satyendra Jain on Thursday said that bus lanes are being earmarked in Delhi and work to this effect would be completed by December 25. He said that the Government is working on a plan to ensure a dedicated lane for buses to give hassle-free passage to those using public transport.
During the 2010 Commonwealth Games, the Delhi Government used this provision of the Motor Vehicle Act and marked a dedicated lane for vehicles carrying players and officials only.
Besides, the Delhi Government is also exploring to impose penalty provisions under Environment Protection Act.