Latest news with #MVAct
Time of India
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
Karnataka high court calls for review of law for clearer classification of vehicles
Bengaluru: The high court has called for a review of the Motor Vehicles (MV) Act, 1988, to address ambiguities in vehicle classifications. Justice M Nagaprasanna, while dismissing a petition filed by the Karavali Bus Owners Association, suggested that the union surface transport ministry revisit and clarify existing definitions in the backdrop of modern vehicular categories and toll collection complexities. The petitioners, who operate stage carriages in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts, had challenged toll charges levied at the Hejamadi and Sastana toll plazas. They argued that their vehicles, which have gross weights between 7,500kg and 12,000kg, should be categorised as minibuses and not as full-sized buses. As per the concession agreement, minibuses attract tolls at 50% of the rate applicable to buses. The petitioners also raised concerns over the deduction of additional amounts from their FASTag accounts by Udupi Sasthana Tollway Pvt Ltd through a "chargeback process." Their previous representation to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) against the alleged excess toll collection was rejected. Justice Nagaprasanna noted that vehicles below 7,500kg are categorised as light motor vehicles and those above 12,000 kg as heavy passenger vehicles. However, the classification of vehicles weighing between 7,501kg and 12,000kg—often referred to as medium passenger vehicles—remains unclear, particularly when they are described as "buses" for toll purposes. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Top 5 Wealth Management Firms in The United States SmartAsset Learn More Undo The court clarified that tolls are governed by the National Highways Fee Rules and the terms of concession agreements, not by the MV Act alone. Concluding that the deductions were lawful and aligned with the registration certificates and relevant rules, the court dismissed the petition but emphasised the need for legislative clarity on vehicle categorisation. ——————— Blurb Justice Nagaprasanna said the classification of vehicles weighing between 7,501kg and 12,000kg, often referred to as medium passenger vehicles, remains unclear, particularly when they are described as buses for toll purposes
The Hindu
3 days ago
- Automotive
- The Hindu
Make appropriate changes in MV Act to avoid mismatch of vehicles during toll collection: Karnataka HC advises MoRTH
The High Court of Karnataka has advised the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) to review the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, and make appropriate changes to address the issue of mismatch of vehicle type that crops up during collection of toll due to variance in vehicular classifications, particularly buses, under the MV Act, and the rules framed under the National Highways Act, 1956. Justice M. Nagaprasanna passed the order while dismissing a petition filed by Karavali Bus Owners' Association, Udupi, and several individual owners of private buses. The petitioners had questioned deduction of extra toll amount later in addition to the amount deducted from FASTag account instantly when their buses pass through two plazas between Mangaluru and Kundapur due to mismatch in vehicle type. The Court noted that the variance in classification of vehicles in the MV Act and the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008 framed under the NH Act is the cause for this litigation and hence the MV Act requires statutory refinement. Background of case The petitioners had registered information of their vehicles in FASTag system as 'minibus' even though the registration certificate of the vehicles issued by the Regional Transport Officer (RTO) classified their vehicles as 'bus' with seating capacity of 38. The argument of the petitioner was that the provision of the MV Act states that vehicles with unladen weight of less than 12,000 kgs are classified as Light Motor Commercial Vehicles (LMCVs), which include 'minibus'. However, toll collecting authorities were collecting extra amount, which applicable for 'bus/truck' later as FASTag was deducting lower toll applicable to LMCVs at toll plazas. The toll collecting had relied on the RTO data of the vehicles belonging to the petitioners as the norms framed under the fee collection rules of 2008 describes a light motor commercial passenger vehicle with seating capacity up to 32 as a 'minibus' and as 'bus/truck' if the seating capacity is more than 32 and/or unladen weight of the vehicle is above 12,000 kg. The court pointed out that MV Act describes a vehicle with unladen weight up to 7,500 kg as a light motor vehicle and beyond 12,000 kg as a heavy passenger motor vehicle but there is 'vacuum' in the Act with respect to classification of vehicles between 7,500 kg and 12,000 kg. Registering as minibus The bus owners were registering their vehicle under the category of 'minibus' in FASTag by taking advantage of the MV Act as many of their buses were under 12,000 kg even though the seating capacity exceeded 32, the court noted while pointing out that base rate of toll for LMVCs/minibus is ₹1.05 per km and for bus/truck is ₹2.2 per km. Though the MV Act defines a medium passenger vehicle, the weight of such vehicles is left undefined, and the definition of a 'bus' is nowhere found in the MV Act, the court said. Also, the court noted a clarification given by the RTO to the petitioner-association that irrespective of the unladen weight of the vehicles, all stage carriage vehicles are mentioned as 'bus' in the registration certificates. Since the toll collection is governed by the NH Act and the fee collection rules, and not under the MV Act, the court upheld the action of the authorities in recovering differential toll amount from the FASTag accounts.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
Mind the gap: Cop focus on safe distance between vehicles
Kolkata: The Kolkata Traffic Police launched a comprehensive awareness campaign titled 'Mind the Gap' on Friday, focusing on the growing menace of tailgating, which has led to multiple freak road accidents and even road rage incidents across the city in recent months. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Tailgating is driving too closely behind another vehicle. The initiative, which combines both digital and on-ground efforts, aims to educate drivers about maintaining safe distances between vehicles. "We observed a concerning rise in road incidents linked to tailgating. In the past three months alone, we received dozens of complaints where tailgating was the primary cause," said a senior officer. The campaign will utilise social media platforms, including Facebook, X, and Instagram, to disseminate educational content and safety guidelines. Additionally, traffic officers plan to conduct awareness sessions at major intersections across the city. According to police data, tailgating-related incidents increase during peak hours on major arterial roads like EM Bypass and AJC Bose Road. The campaign introduces the "three-second" rule — maintaining a minimum three-second gap between vehicles — as a standard safety measure. Digital displays at key traffic signals will demonstrate proper distances to be maintained between vehicles and showcase real-time examples of safe driving practices. "We are not incorporating a penalty right now and clubbing it with an MV Act offence. We expect better driver behaviour at the crossings and even during parking," said an ACP. Cops also plan to partner with several driving schools and automotive associations to extend the campaign's reach. Commuter Sumit Banerjee hailed the initiative. "I have experienced aggressive tailgating numerous times. It is dangerous. The two-wheeler riders are the worst offenders." Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Cops will monitor the campaign's effectiveness through CCTV footage. It will run for an initial period of a few weeks, after which the police will evaluate its success and consider extending it based on the results achieved. For more information about the campaign, citizens can visit the Kolkata Traffic Police website or call their helpline at 1073.
Time of India
03-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
App-based cab drivers go on strike in city, leave hapless citizens in lurch
App-based cab services in Jaipur came to a standstill on Monday as owners' and drivers' associations started an indefinite strike. With over 23,000 app cabs keeping away from city roads, commuters, particularly those at the airport, railway stations, and bus stands, struggled to find transport. Offline autorickshaws were the only available option, with drivers making hay, overcharging passengers. The strike saw the participation of approximately 25,000 app-based cab drivers, 20,000 auto drivers, and 10,000 commercial bike and taxi operators. Their demands included implementation of the gig workers' welfare legislation, fare regulation, and adherence to the Motor Vehicles Act. The state is awaiting the implementation of the Rajasthan Platform Based Gig Workers (Registration and Welfare) Act, 2023, passed by the Gehlot govt. Protesters who work for Ola, Uber, Rapido, and inDrive platforms urged the state govt to enforce prescribed fares, remove non-compliant private bikes, and ensure aggregators follow the Motor Vehicles Act. They also called for a city taxi policy to maintain a supply-demand equilibrium. While the services are expected to resume on Tuesday, the protests will continue. "The main reasons for this strike are the increasing exploitation of operators by these companies, unfair fare policies, violations of the Motor Vehicles Act, and non-compliance with motor vehicle aggregator guidelines," said Ashish Arora, president of the Rajasthan Gig and App-Based Workers' Union. "Drivers claim that due to intense competition among these companies, fares are being reduced unfairly, threatening their livelihoods. Additionally, these companies have engaged thousands of private bike riders, which is illegal under the MV Act," he added, saying while the strike was scheduled only for Monday, the protest would continue. Devendra Jain, a businessman, who was affected by the strike said, "Generally, from airport to my Malviya Nagar home, app cabs charge around Rs 150 to 170. On Monday, I was surprised to find that no cabs were accepting bookings on any of the apps. When I found out there was a strike, I headed for the auto stand at the airport. The driver straightaway asked for Rs 400." Some drivers continued operations despite the strike, taking advantage of increased fares. Union representatives intercepted operating vehicles, warning drivers without troubling passengers. In certain instances, they removed booking applications from the mobile devices of drivers. The associations presented two primary demands: Revision of fares according to govt-prescribed rates and enhanced safety measures for both drivers and passengers. "For car rental services, the govt has set a fare of Rs 25 per km and a minimum fare of Rs 150 within city limits. For outstation, it is fixed at Rs 12 per km. We want app cabs to charge fares based on this rate. From Tuesday, we are going to demonstrate in front of the commissionerate and on VT Road in Mansarovar," stated Sanjay Ratnu, president of Krantikar Taxi Drivers' Association, Jaipur.
Time of India
02-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
App-based cab drivers go on strike in city, leave hapless citizens in lurch
Jaipur: App-based cab services in Jaipur came to a standstill on Monday as owners' and drivers' associations started an indefinite strike. With over 23,000 app cabs keeping away from city roads, commuters, particularly those at the airport, railway stations, and bus stands, struggled to find transport. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Offline autorickshaws were the only available option, with drivers making hay, overcharging passengers. The strike saw the participation of approximately 25,000 app-based cab drivers, 20,000 auto drivers, and 10,000 commercial bike and taxi operators. Their demands included implementation of the gig workers' welfare legislation, fare regulation, and adherence to the Motor Vehicles Act. The state is awaiting the implementation of the Rajasthan Platform Based Gig Workers (Registration and Welfare) Act, 2023, passed by the Gehlot govt. Protesters who work for Ola, Uber, Rapido, and inDrive platforms urged the state govt to enforce prescribed fares, remove non-compliant private bikes, and ensure aggregators follow the Motor Vehicles Act. They also called for a city taxi policy to maintain a supply-demand equilibrium. While the services are expected to resume on Tuesday, the protests will continue. "The main reasons for this strike are the increasing exploitation of operators by these companies, unfair fare policies, violations of the Motor Vehicles Act, and non-compliance with motor vehicle aggregator guidelines," said Ashish Arora, president of the Rajasthan Gig and App-Based Workers' Union. "Drivers claim that due to intense competition among these companies, fares are being reduced unfairly, threatening their livelihoods. Additionally, these companies have engaged thousands of private bike riders, which is illegal under the MV Act," he added, saying while the strike was scheduled only for Monday, the protest would continue. Devendra Jain, a businessman, who was affected by the strike said, "Generally, from airport to my Malviya Nagar home, app cabs charge around Rs 150 to 170. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now On Monday, I was surprised to find that no cabs were accepting bookings on any of the apps. When I found out there was a strike, I headed for the auto stand at the airport. The driver straightaway asked for Rs 400." Some drivers continued operations despite the strike, taking advantage of increased fares. Union representatives intercepted operating vehicles, warning drivers without troubling passengers. In certain instances, they removed booking applications from the mobile devices of drivers. The associations presented two primary demands: Revision of fares according to govt-prescribed rates and enhanced safety measures for both drivers and passengers. "For car rental services, the govt has set a fare of Rs 25 per km and a minimum fare of Rs 150 within city limits. For outstation, it is fixed at Rs 12 per km. We want app cabs to charge fares based on this rate. From Tuesday, we are going to demonstrate in front of the commissionerate and on VT Road in Mansarovar," stated Sanjay Ratnu, president of Krantikar Taxi Drivers' Association, Jaipur.
