Panel suggests heavy penalty for minor drivers, traffic violations

To curb road mishaps and deaths, an Empowered Group of Ministers (EGoM), constituted by the Centre, has recommended heavy penalty for minor drivers and making more stringent, the provisions for violation of traffic rules.

GoM head and Rajasthan Transport Minister Yunus Khan said in Jaipur that the group, in its second meeting in Bangalore on Friday, has recommended various measures to check traffic violations.

The measures include setting up of a dedicated force for traffic management on national highways, 10 per cent share from Central Road Fund (CRF) for road safety, provisions in the statute and traffic rules for pedestrians and non-mechanised vehicles, he said on Monday.

Heavy penalty for minor drivers and cancellation of driving licence for two years for violation of rules or crimes of serious nature after three times have also been recommended, he said.

Mr. Khan said the third meeting of the group is likely to take place in Himachal Pradesh in next month.

He also said a detailed assessment of the progress of road projects in Rajasthan has been made and the government is focusing on improving road safety and curbing accidents and deaths.