The ban on entry of heavy goods vehicles between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. seems to have reduced congestion on the road and travel time for a large number of motorists, especially on arterial roads across the city. However, despite the ban, some trucks continue to ply on city roads even though the police have warned of severe action against the violators.
The city police are also waiting for the outcome of an impact assessment study to decide on the future course of action after the ban on entry of heavy goods. Commuters have welcomed the move but truck drivers’ associations have opposed it strongly.
Several commuters have voiced their appreciation on social media as the move brought in relief in terms of reduced congestion and travel time.
Traffic police officials have been instructed to stop all heavy goods vehicles at entry points from 6 a.m., following the newly-introduced regulation banning vehicles weighing above three tonnes from plying in and around city roads between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m.
While commuters have welcomed the move, several associations representing truck drivers and owners have approached Additional Commissioner of Police B. Dayanand seeking reconsideration of the decision. They claim that they do not have truck bays and terminals in and around the city to carry out their business and the time restriction has hurt businesses.
A delegation from the Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FKCCI) that met Home Minister K.J. George told him that restricting movement of the vehicles to night hours made it difficult to get the required technical staff and skilled manpower for the unloading, receipt and accounting of incoming material. There is the additional issue of dealing with theft.
Channa Reddy, president, Federation of Karnataka Lorry Owners’ Association, said the regulation has “paralysed” the lorry sector and would hit consumers after a week, as the number of lorries carrying essentials such as vegetables and fruits would decrease due to the time restrictions imposed on their entry into the city.
The Bangalore Traffic Police have also received representations to ease restrictions on movement of heavy trucks, and Mr. Dayanand while insisting that vehicles would be seized and drivers penalised if trucks drove into the city between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m., said the representations would be considered after consulting authorities.
