Delhi HC orders rigorous enforcement of ban on slow-moving vehicles on expressways
PTC News Desk: The Delhi High Court has ordered traffic police to strictly enforce the expressway ban on slow-moving vehicles, warning that failure to do so could result in tragic consequences, including casualties.
In an order issued on Tuesday, a bench led by Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma stated that adherence to traffic norms is not only a matter of law, but also a necessity in order to protect travellers and facilitate unhindered vehicular flow and that the inherent vulnerability of slow-moving vehicles such as two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and tractors amplify the risk on expressways.
"Respondent No. 3 [Deputy Commissioner of Police, (Traffic), South-West] is directed to ensure rigorous enforcement of existing prohibitions ... pertaining to the movement of slow-moving vehicles on expressways, especially within the territorial confines of the NCT of Delhi," the court ordered.
The bench, which also included Justice Sanjeev Narula, added that authorities should conduct regular monitoring and take prompt corrective action whenever deviations from the prescribed norms are observed.
"Expressways, in the tapestry of modern infrastructural advancements, are arteries of swift movement, designed to bridge distances with unprecedented speed. The inception of these roads was envisioned for swift-moving vehicles to alleviate traffic congestion and provide a faster, more efficient mode of transport," it added.
It, however, refused to direct the demarcation of specific expressway lanes for slow-moving vehicles, leaving it to the discretion of the government and relevant departments, stating that the "proposition is laden with complexities" and "deeply entrenched in policy considerations."
"As a judicial body, we must refrain from delving into areas earmarked for executive and policy-making functions. The relevant government departments should exercise their discretion, underpinned by expert assessments, to determine the feasibility and safety implications of such initiatives."
- With inputs from agencies
