New Delhi: In July, trucks have been involved in two major fatal accidents in south Delhi, highlighting the menace of heavy vehicles on the roads.According to Delhi Police data, so far this year, heavy vehicles were involved in 82 fatal accidents, causing 85 deaths and injuring 187 people. Last year, 87 fatal crashes ended up claiming 89 lives and injuring 205 persons in the corresponding period.The data shows that during this period, traffic violations by heavy vehicles increased by 46% from last year. While 17,776 challans were issued in the first six months of 2024, this year, 26,025 challans have already been issued.Improper or obstructive parking, which was the most frequent offence, increased sharply from 10,147 cases in 2024 to 14,473 in 2025. Violations of restriction of time (no entry) also surged notably, from 4,108 to 7,326. Jumping traffic signal, while showing a slight decline, remained high, with 1,766 cases in 2024 and 1,401 in 2025.The number of heavy vehicle drivers not using seat belts went up from 702 to 1,120, highlighting safety concerns. Vehicles operating without a pollution under control certificate (PUCC) were reported 686 times in 2024 and 914 this year. Violations related to disobeying lawful directions went up steeply, from 118 to 415. Trucks carrying sand or dust without proper covering (no entry) almost doubled, rising from 157 to 295. Vehicles operating without fitness certification decreased slightly, from 92 to 81, the data showed.According to an officer, these violations mostly increase at night. Once the no-entry period ends, drivers of heavy vehicles tend to speed. Some also try to enter during no-entry hours, the officer said, adding that obstructive parking was another major problem, often causing snarls.A senior police officer said teams have been deployed at various locations to curb violations by heavy vehicles and enforce compliance.Rohit Baluja, president, Institute of Road Traffic Education, said heavy vehicles face a big challenge on Delhi roads, which are not engineered for mixed-traffic conditions, especially as two-wheelers wriggle their way in and around larger vehicles. Footpaths remain encroached upon by vendors, parked vehicles or other debris, forcing pedestrians to walk on the carriageway.Legislation also does not support heavy vehicles, he said. For instance, Delhi Motor Vehicles Rules demand that where bus lanes are segregated and marking on roads or streets have been provided, all buses and goods carriages plying during permitted hours will be confined to the bus lanes, and no other motor vehicle shall enter that space. When accidents occur, heavy vehicles are always labelled as accused, said Baluja.Anil Chhikara, a transport and vehicle expert, said the primary reason behind most of the fatalities involving heavy vehicles is excessive speed. According to him, the accidents could be significantly reduced if speed governor devices are installed and enforced in vehicles across the city.A speed governor, he explained, is a specialised piece of instrument designed to regulate and control the speed of an electric motor or engine, preventing vehicles from exceeding safe speed limits.
