Green Tribunal bans vehicles over 15 years of age in Delhi

The National Green Tribunal has announced that vehicles more than 15 years of age will not be allowed to ply on the roads of New Delhi. The decision comes in the wake of the rising pollution levels in the national capital.

All vehicles including 2-wheelers, three-wheelers, four-wheelers, light, heavy, commercial, private running on diesel or petrol will be subject to this ruling. Any vehicle over 15 years of age found running on the roads of New Delhi will be seized by the authorities. The move is likely to take an estimated 10 lakh vehicle off the roads.

The Tribunal has also ordered the RTO not to renew the registrations of old vehicles or issue new registration certificates to them. Any vehicle more 15 years of age found parked in a public area will be towed away and challaned.

The authorities have also been directed to crack down on vehicles parked on tarred roads to reduce congestion. Motorists are likely to be allowed to park only on one side of roads leading to markets and other crowded areas.

Other steps being taken for reducing pollution is the banning of burning plastic or other material in the open, the construction of cycling tracks and the installation of air purifiers in crowded areas.

The banning of old vehicles will come as disappointing news for vintage and classic car enthusiasts in New Delhi as the yesteryear beauties will have to be taken out of the city or scrapped. Those who cannot afford new cars will suffer badly as well. We feel the government should ensure better connectivity through public transport before taking such drastic steps.

Source: ET Auto