Ban on registration of vehicles impractical, say experts

Ban on registration of vehicles impractical, say experts
New Indian Express

BANGALORE: When Forest and Environment Minister Gurupadappa Nagamarapalli said the Government was contemplating suspending the registration of new vehicles in the city for a month, he didn’t know that the Transport Department would give it the thumbs down, terming it ‘‘impractical.’’

Sources in the Transport Department point out that the Motor Vehicle Act 1988 is a Central Act and unless it is amended the State Government cannot take such a decision to either fix the quota or stop the registration of vehicles.

On Wednesday, Nagamarapalli had stated that the Government was toying with the idea of stopping the registration of new vehicles in the city at least for a month to bring down air pollution.

‘‘At least 1,000 new vehicles are registered daily. They add to pollution levels and increase vehicle density,’’ the Minister had stated.

Senior officers in the transport department agree that Minister’s intention may be laudable. But, he should be aware that new vehicles adhere to the latest emission norms and so contribute little to pollution.

Instead of working on such impractical ideas, the Government should take steps to check the use of adulterated fuel and also promote LPG as a eco- friendly fuel, sources suggest.

Meanwhile, the Government’s LPG drive has suffered a setback due to a lack of LPG refuelling stations in the city. Autorickshaw drivers in the city do not opt for LPG as they need to wait for hours at refueling stations to fill up their tanks.

Experts also say that the Government should think of levying a ‘‘decongestion toll’’ on certain busy roads. ‘‘Making use of available technology, this can be done without causing much disturbance to motorists and adding to traffic congestion,’’ they said.

Apart from not having the legal standing, the Minister’s suggestion would also result in a revenue loss for the Government. The registration of new vehicles is a major source of revenue for the department, as Karnataka levies the highest percentage of tax on vehicle registration.