Frequent changing lanes while driving to attract fine

Those who frequently change lanes while driving and create needless traffic jams and delays to others could soon be fined and handed out stiff punishment.

The government is serious about accepting its think tank Niti Aayog’s suggestion on adoption of ‘intelligent traffic management system’ under which a driver’s behaviour on the wheels will be closely monitored, especially lane-hogging and clogging up roads, a senior official told DH.

The delay caused on Indian roads are not only due to the poor condition of roads, but also due to poor traffic behaviour, said the Aayog which was tasked by the Prime Minister’s Office to suggest policy changes for fast-tracking infrastructure development.

The government has approved changes in the Motor Vehicle (Amendment) Bill, 2016, that proposes hefty penalties for traffic offences and a 10-fold increase in compensation to accident victims, it does not say much on mending traffic behaviour to usher in efficiency on roads.

“Flow of traffic needs special attention in Indian cities. Unlike western cities, motorised vehicles in India change lanes with high frequency and in unpredictable ways. This creates unnecessary traffic jams and delays,” the Aayog said, suggesting the government to run pilots to see if strict enforcement of traffic rules through fines in case of violations can induce behavioural change and persuade drivers to the benefits of obeying all rules.

“If such a change is possible, it could greatly reduce both the travel time and pollution. Additionally, incentives may be created to encourage vehicle-sharing systems such as Ola and Uber. This will reduce the number of vehicles on the road reducing both congestion and pollution,” the think tank mentioned in the three-year (2017-18 to 2019-20) Action Agenda for the government.