New Delhi: In its bid to end confusion about speed limit on national highways and expressways across states, the road transport ministry is working on an amendment to the Motor Vehicle Act, making it mandatory for states to consult highway authorities before reducing maximum speed limit on any NH stretch falling within their jurisdiction. While national highways usually have a speed limit of 100kmph, cars can go up to 120kmph on expressways. But states have the final say in fixing the limit, depending on local conditions.
“State authorities notifying different speed limits on NHs than what the Centre has notified creates confusion among drivers, who don’t take such stretches frequently. This also becomes a source of corruption for local law enforcement agencies,” a source told TOI.
According to the proposal, the state agencies will have to consult the regional officers (ROs) of the highways-owning agencies — NHAI, NHIDCL and road transport ministry — before notifying any other speed norm. This is among a raft of changes being proposed to the MV Act.
Another proposed amendment is to double the penalty and fines for traffic offences committed by school buses to make drivers and vehicle owners (educational institutions) more accountable. The ministry proposes to include a new clause in the Act, which will be amended following its assurance to Supreme Court to expand the definition of light motor vehicle (LMV).
Sources said the new provision would mean that violators would have to pay double the fine for all offences committed from jumping red light, speeding and lane violation to not having an active fitness certificate and permit.
“A new section will be introduced in the law considering the rising number of instances of accidents involving school buses carrying children. The objective is to improve the safety of students going to schools or any other educational institution,” said an official.
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