EXCLUSIVE: New Traffic Rules Will Help Save Lives, No Reduction In Fines, Says Nitin Gadkari

Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Thursday said that there should not be any politics over public safety. He reiterated his stance on Motor Vehicle (Amendment) Act 2019 saying the nation needs a strict traffic law. In an exclusive chat with News Nation, Gadkari stressed the need of a strict law for public and road safety in India. Amid reports of many state governments asking for fines to be lowered under the new traffic rules, Gadkari ruled out cutting the rate of penalties.

When asked about the reduction in fines by many state governments, Gadkari said that state goverments have the right to reduce the severity of the fines. The law provides for 500 rupees penalty on first mistake and then 1500 on the next one. State governemnts can change it 100, 200 or 500. 

He, however, added that these state governments will be responsible for any deaths that happen due to traffic rule violations.

While the heavy fines are necessary to force people to follow these rules, the big penalties have also caused a sense of fear and dismay among the common people. 

Gadkari said that there is not much fear or respect for rules at present in our society. 

"People run away when stopped by traffic police. These severe rules and penalties are needed to create the repect and fear among people. These rules are not for making revenue but for public safety. People should take them seriously."

He added that people are not lining up to get pollution certificates, fitness certificates, license and other necessary documents. This shows that people are getting more aware and this awareness is a direct result of these strict lawas. This saves lives. This is a positive sign.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Nitin Gadkari stressed need of strict law for public and road safety in India
• Severe rules and penalties are needed to create the repect of laws: Gadkari
• Nitin Gadkari ruled out cutting the rate of penalties for traffic violations