States should frame own Motor Vehicle norms: Mamata

“Motor vehicle laws are framed by the Centre. I believe that states must also have the power to make such laws. We will raise the issue of road safety in Parliament... We will not allow interference in the federal structure. I have every right to take care (of traffic in the state)... I think state must have an Act. And following the constitutional structure the rules will be prepared,” she said.

Banerjee was speaking at a state-wide road safety and awareness programme “Safe Drive, Save Life” on Friday.The chief minister main-tained:”We always appreciate good work. But excessive interference would affect the federal structure. Implementation of cess is a new technique to raise money. 

Money is being collected by implementing the higher rates of cess but the state government is getting nothing.”A major overhaul of the Motor Vehicles Act is a longstanding demand of the police. With ever increasing number of vehicles coupled with shrinking road space, amendments in the Act has become necessary to ensure less violation of traffic norms. 

India has the second highest road fatalities in the world after China. Every year India’s killer roads claim 2,38,562 lives.