Shell out more for registering vehicles

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is now a reality with the Transport Department set to collect cess of Rs 500 for registering two/three wheelers and Rs 1,000 for other vehicles from next week.

The cess came into effect on Friday with a department notification citing the provisions provided in the Road Safety Act. However, officials said the incorporation of the new cess and challans in the software may take about three to four days. All RTOs will start imposing the cess on registration of new vehicles within the next three days, they said.

Transport Secretary B Basavaraju said the cess was nominal and is part of the road safety funds, to which Central and state governments will also contribute. “The charges for the driving licence smart card will also bring in a good amount of money,” he said.

The road safety funds will be used for both aiding the accident victims as well as to encourage research in some of the key areas concerning safety of commuters on road, he said.

The RSA, led by chief secretary will take up comprehensive measures to reduce the number of road accidents and fatalities. The Public Works Department has already identified several accident blackspots and removed some of them. The authority will make it a regular exercise.

As per the rule, the authority, also comprising officials from Transport and Home departments, has to meet once in three months to discuss pertinent issues. The proposal to impose cess was cleared in the last meeting held on February 28.

“Several issues were discussed, including the need to hire staff. Decisions will be taken in the coming months once the rules of RSA are notified,” an official said.