Centre should reconsider heavy penalties for traffic violations under Motor Vehicles Act, says Kamal Nath

Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh chief minister Kamal Nath on Thursday said that central government must reconsider the quantum of penalties under the new Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act 2019 for traffic violations and give relief to the people.

“We also want to stop road accidents and ensure the safety of people but it must be seen that the penalty is not unreasonable and is in accordance with the paying capacity of the people. This is the time of heavy recession. The central government must reconsider the amount of penalties imposed and give relief to people. We are studying it,” tweeted the chief minister’s office (CMO).

Madhya Pradesh transport minister Govind Singh Rajput on Thursday termed the act as a “tughlaqi” order.

“The Union government’s Motor Vehicle Act is a ’tughlaqi’ order. Most of the fines are more than what a common man can afford. I do not want the people of Madhya Pradesh to face such hefty fines that they cannot even afford. I will discuss the issue with Chief Minister Kamal Nath regarding the same,” the minister told ANI.

The new Motor Vehicles Act has enhanced the penalties for driving errors. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways had notified the provisions of the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act 2019 last month and it was implemented in many states of India from 1 September.