Thiruvananthapuram: Keralam govt has directed the state transport authority (STA) to reconsider the uniform colour code imposed on tourist buses in Keralam, taking into account the 2023 All India Tourist Vehicles (Permit) Rules and the requirements of the tourism sector.Transport department has issued a gazette notification in this regard. Govt has exercised its powers under Section 67(1)(d) of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, to direct the STA to review its 2021 decision.The uniform colour code for contract carriage vehicles other than LMVs was introduced by the STA on Aug 11, 2021, under Rule 264 of the Kerala Motor Vehicles Rules, in the backdrop of a high court directive restricting the display of large photographs of film stars and writings on buses in the interest of road safety.However, the All India Tourist Permit Rules issued by Centre do not prescribe a specific colour for tourist vehicles. Complaints had subsequently been raised that tourist buses registered in Keralam were subject to the colour-code requirement while All India Permit vehicles registered in other states operated in Keralam without such restrictions.The restrictions were also reported to have affected the tourism transport sector, with some vehicle owners opting to register their buses in other states. This resulted in a loss of revenue to the state through motor vehicle tax and permit fees.The final decision on the colour code will be taken by the STA.The notification makes it clear that any revised arrangement must continue to comply with the high court’s directions on road safety. Large photographs of film stars or writings cannot be displayed on the body of tourist buses or their safety glasses.
