Guys
Read this on the Indian Express online today. Has anyone heard of this new proposal? If yes, please post details of the provisions of this bill before it becomes law:
PS: The news item talks about the state government (of Kerala) applying a Central Government policy - I'm not sure whether this is a state or central subject, but the article does say that the UNION GOVERNMENT wants to levy a tax on private vehicles...
What happened to the Tax that we already pay and is supposed to be used for developing and maintaining roads?
http://www.newindpress.com/NewsItems...erala&Topic=0& Tax on private cars will make driving on city roads smooth
Monday July 4 2005 12:31 IST
KOCHI: If the State government responds positively to the Union government’s clarion call to implement the new policy and levy tax for using private cars on congested city roads, it will make driving on Kochi roads hassle-free.
With an view to discouraging further proliferation of private motor vehicles and easing traffic congestion, the union government wants to levy dedicated taxes (on private car owners) that will be utilised for the funding of non-motorised urban public transport systems, segregated cycle paths, pedestrian paths and other infrastructure.
Called the Urban Transport Policy (UTP), the move aims at reducing motorised transport on roads and encouraging eco-friendly public transport system and bicycles.
A decision to implement Urban Transport Policy may stir a hornet’s nest in Kerala. But in cities like Kochi – which has narrow roads and no flyovers – driving is next to a nightmare. It’s said that even the corporates are shy to invest in the city after ruminating on the traffic hazards.
With effective public transport utilisation, the city can get rid of the congestion to a certain extent.
Contrary to the prejudice that opposition to it will be high from the business community, many businessmen in the city hailed the idea when this website’s newspaper talked to them.
“I think it will be a positive step. Traffic congestion in the city has crossed all limits. But the promise that the tax levied will be used for infrastructure development should be kept,” said C J George, managing director, Geojit Financial Services Ltd.
UTP is yet to happen, but Karnataka has already implemented a system of fining students who come to school in cars. They have to pool together if they are keen on coming to school in a car.
“Rules like these will keep Kochi’s growth in good stead. It’s said that the MG Road was constructed for 10,000 cars. Now it has multiplied many times. The move to restrict the number of private cars will do wonders for the city,” said M C Roy, a businessman.
The parking charges will also be increased to discourage the use of private vehicles in the city limits.