Bengaluru: The Karnataka govt is considering higher fines for one-way driving, wrongside driving, riding on footpaths, unauthorised parking, signal jumping and dangerous riding to up to Rs 5,000 for habitual offenders. At present, the basic fine for these offences is Rs 500.The govt is contemplating bringing changes to motor vehicle rules to impose higher penalties for several traffic violations. Officials said Rs 5,000 would be the upper ceiling for habitual offenders. “Fines will vary for first-time offenders and increase progressively for each additional offence,” one of them said.A key proposal discussed at a joint meeting of the transport and home departments on Wednesday, which was attended by transport minister Byrathi Suresh and home minister Priyank Kharge, was to deal with habitual offenders. Under the proposed system, motorists would accumulate negative points for traffic violations and could face suspension of their driving licences after crossing a specified limit.A senior transport department official said: “Multiple issues pertaining to easing congestion and increasing penalties for seven to eight offences were discussed at the meeting. Once we receive a formal proposal from the home department, further measures will be taken to bring changes to rules and hike penalties.”The govt is considering banning the production and sale of half-helmets over safety concerns for two-wheeler riders and pillion riders. Suresh said the govt will even take action against factories producing half-helmets, which are cheaper than ISI-marked helmets and are widely used by two-wheeler riders. However, they don’t provide adequate protection.The departments are working towards integrating the transport department’s Sarathi system with Bengaluru traffic police’s e-challan system. This would allow traffic personnel to verify driving licence details and access a motorist’s violation history while registering fresh offences.The govt is also looking at bringing low-speed battery-operated electric two-wheelers under a legal framework covering registration, applicability of traffic rules, wearing helmets and other requirements. Officials discussed measures to ensure these vehicles can be identified and their riders held accountable for traffic violations.Push for carpoolingTo reduce the number of private vehicles on Bengaluru roads, govt is also examining a state-level policy for carpooling and ride-sharing services. The proposal includes guidelines for app-based carpooling, park-and-ride facilities and promotion of shared transport.The meeting also discussed stricter action against modified silencers, shrill horns and high-intensity lights. Dedicated BMTC lanes are proposed to be restored on roads where Metro construction has been completed, while additional feeder services and higher bus frequencies on Outer Ring Road are being considered.
