LI Network
Published on: November 01, 2023 at 13:07 IST
The Delhi High Court has issued a stringent directive to the traffic police, underscoring the imperative need for rigorous enforcement of the prohibition on slow-moving vehicles on expressways.
This directive, according to the court, is crucial to prevent potential tragic outcomes, including accidents leading to casualties.
In an order released on Tuesday by a bench led by Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma, the court highlighted the critical importance of adhering to traffic regulations, not just as a legal obligation but as a fundamental measure to safeguard the lives of travelers and ensure a smooth flow of vehicles.
The vulnerability of slow-moving vehicles, such as two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and tractors, magnifies the risks they pose on expressways.
The court stressed the essential role of undivided attention and collective efforts by both authorities and the public in ensuring road safety.
The specific direction was aimed at the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Traffic, South-West, to rigorously implement the existing bans on slow-moving vehicles, especially within the territorial confines of the National Capital Territory of Delhi.
Additionally, the bench, which also included Justice Sanjeev Narula, highlighted the necessity for regular monitoring and prompt corrective actions whenever deviations from prescribed norms are noticed.
The court’s emphasis on enforcement reflects the understanding that adherence to traffic norms is not only a legal requirement but a paramount necessity for safeguarding individuals using expressways and maintaining a seamless flow of vehicular traffic.
Furthermore, the court refrained from mandating the demarcation of specific lanes for slow-moving vehicles on expressways, leaving this decision to the discretion of the government and relevant departments.
The court acknowledged the complexity and deep policy considerations involved in this matter, stating that such decisions fall within the realm of executive and policy-making functions.
The court’s decision not to intervene in matters falling within the purview of the executive underscores the principle of separation of powers while acknowledging that its role becomes crucial when citizens invoke their right to a safe transit environment.
The petitioner, Yuvraj Francis, represented by advocate Naman Joshi, approached the court based on personal experiences of commuting on the Delhi-Gurugram Expressway, citing an alarming increase in accidents and loss of life and property due to the presence of slow-moving vehicles.
Data presented to the court revealed a significant number of fatalities and accidents attributed to slow-moving vehicles on expressways between 2017 and 2022.
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) data highlighted 31 fatalities and 137 grave accidents on the Delhi-Gurugram Expressway during this period.
The court underscored that the issue primarily lay in the enforcement and adherence to existing regulations rather than the absence of such norms.
It noted that while regulations concerning the movement of slow-moving vehicles on expressways like the Delhi-Meerut Expressway are in place, there exists a gap in their practical execution.
The court’s order strongly emphasized the significance of strict compliance with traffic regulations, not merely as a matter of law but as an essential element for safeguarding individuals using expressways and ensuring an uninterrupted flow of vehicles.
Any oversight or neglect of prescribed regulations, given the high speeds on expressways, could result in severe consequences including casualties, physical harm, and extensive property damage.
Overall, the court’s directive serves as a reminder of the critical need for strict enforcement of traffic regulations on expressways to ensure the safety of commuters and the smooth functioning of these high-speed roadways.
