Delhi Traffic Police issues over 5,800 challans on old BS-III petrol, BS-IV diesel cars

Delhi Traffic Police issues over 5,800 challans on old BS-III petrol, BS-IV diesel four-wheelers for violating transport curbs under GRAP Stage III in national capital, reports PTI.

Delhi continues to breathe the most polluted air as Air Quality Index (AQI) remains under the ‘very poor’ category. A layer of smog still persists in the Delhi-NCR region. Under Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage III, BS III Petrol and BS IV Diesel vehicles were banned in the national capital region, however, still there have been cases where Delhi Traffic police have caught vehicles violating the rules. Delhi Police has issued over 5,800 challans after the city government restricted the movement of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers. The traffic police stopped or issued challans to 5,882 vehicles for violations till 6 am on November 11. 

During a recent review meeting, the Delhi government's transport department decided that the curbs under Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) should remain in place for the next few days instead of a no knee-jerk reaction. "BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers in Delhi will remain banned under Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan," Environment Minister Gopal Rai said on Monday. 

"As part of restrictions on BS III Petrol and BS IV Diesel vehicles till 13th November to fight pollution, 5882 Vehicles were stopped/challaned for violations till 6 AM on 11.11.2022. Emergency vehicles are exempted," Delhi Traffic police tweet read. 

In an order on Monday, the city government's transport department had said owners of vehicles found plying in violation of the rule would be prosecuted under the Motor Vehicles Act, which could invite a fine of Rs 20,000. Vehicles deployed for emergency services and government and election-related work do not come under the ban purview.

The transport department had said in its order, "As per the directions provided under Stage III of revised GRAP, there will be a restriction to ply BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel light motor vehicles (four-wheelers) in the jurisdiction of NCT of Delhi. The above directions will remain enforced till November 13 or downward revision in the GRAP stage, whichever is earlier. The restrictions will continue beyond November 13, if CAQM orders GRAP-III and above restrictions."

"If any BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel LMV are found plying on roads, it will be prosecuted under the Motor Vehicle Act, 1988."

(With inputs from PTI)