Thiruvananthapuram: The decision regarding the implementation of the Motor Vehicle Amendment Act in the state is likely to be delayed. The central government had informed that they will issue guidelines for states concerning the implementation of the hefty fine for traffic rule violations. The existing fine is likely to be continued until the guidelines are issued.
Levying fine during vehicle checking will be avoided. As a notification was issued according to the amendment, the old fine cannot be charged. A high level meeting will be held on Monday to assess the present situation.
The transport secretary was assigned to recommend a legal solution after checking how other states like Gujarat amended the Act. The secretary was entrusted with this duty after many other states opposed levying hefty fines. Minister A. K. Saseendran will examine this report on Monday.
According to the amendment, minimum and maximum limits are fixed for the fines. States can choose any of these limits. The state received legal advice that the fine cannot be reduced to less than the minimum amount. However, states like Gujarat made it clear that they will lower the fine to less than the minimum amount set by the central government.
The Centre informed that talks with the chief ministers will be held to resolve the confusions regarding the new law. Minister A. K. Saseendran confirmed that the amended act will be implemented in Kerala only after discussions with the LDF.
