Guwahati: In a quick development on the Assam State TransportDepartment's decision on imposing speed limits on National Highways, the Assam
Chief Minister today suggested state transport minister Chandra Mohan Patowary
to increase the impose speed limit from 40 Km per hour to 60 Km per hour.
CM Sarma also suggested minister Patowary to not to impose fines on the first violation.
The decision came shortly after a huge number of long distance commuters had opposed this move earlier and took to the social media to express resentment over the capping on Highway speeds.
Earlier, the state transport department, it has set strict maximum speed limits for vehicles traveling on State highways. According to the new regulation of the transport department, 75 percent of road accidents in the State occur due to over-speeding. To control such issues, the department is using high-tech Traffic Interceptor Vehicles and Speed Radar Guns in order to monitor the speed of vehicles on State highways.
It may be mentioned that, for vehicles that violate the
speed limit indicated in road signages, a penalty of Rs 2,000 to Rs 4,000 will
be levied against them under Section 183 of the Motor Vehicle Act. The maximum
speed limit for all classes of motor vehicles as follows as specified according
to the new directive include, 50 km per hr on State Highways and Major District
Roads, 40 km per hr within Guwahati Metropolitan Area and 40 km per hr on other
roads within the Urban and Municipality areas.
Meanwhile, the Kamrup (M) District Transport Officer (DTO) Himanshu Das
informed that the speed limits have been enforced only on sections that are
under the State government, and not throughout National Highways, they are
under the jurisdiction of the NHAI. "People can accelerate up to 100 km
where the NHAI permits. But should reduce the speed at places where the
signages are given, that is near State highways, schools, crossings, etc. It
has been three months since the enforcement of these laws and the results are
already showing a reduction in accidents," he added.
Das further added, "Nothing new has been implemented. The government has
given the enforcement agencies and the police about 15 Interceptor Vehicles and
many Speed Radar Guns for strict implementation of the existing laws. And we
are doing just that."
Recently, citizens took to social media
to express their discontent against the speed limitations marked for highways.
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