National Policy on Traffic Management for Critical Services
Context:
Urban planning, including traffic management for critical services, is primarily a State subject in India.
- The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has issued several guiding policies to help manage urban transport and traffic congestion.
- Key legislative frameworks such as the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, and Central Motor Vehicles Rules (CMVR), 1989, also stipulate provisions for traffic management, especially for emergency vehicles.
Relevance:
GS-02 (Government policies and interventions)
Key Highlights:
- State Responsibility: Urban planning and traffic management are managed by State Governments, Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), and Urban Development Authorities.
- Guiding Policies: The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has issued the National Urban Transport Policy (2006), Metro Policy (2017), and Transit Oriented Development Policy to promote sustainable transport solutions.
- Legislative Frameworks:
- Motor Vehicles Act, 1988: Section 194E mandates penalties for failing to yield to emergency vehicles.
- CMVR, 1989:
- Rule 108 (1) (iv) allows red lights with purple glass on ambulances.
- Rule 108 (4) allows multi-colored lights on designated emergency vehicles.
- Rule 119(3) permits specific sound signals for emergency and construction vehicles.
- Motor Vehicles (Driving) Regulations, 2017: Regulation 27(2) gives emergency vehicles right of way when using multi-toned horns and flashers.
Significance:
- Enhanced Traffic Management: The policies and regulations aim to streamline traffic management, particularly for emergency response vehicles, ensuring timely access to critical services.
- Legal Accountability: The legislative provisions enforce legal accountability, with penalties for non-compliance, thereby promoting adherence to traffic rules.
- Sustainable Urban Transport: The guiding documents foster sustainable urban transport development, reducing congestion and improving overall urban mobility.
- Improved Emergency Response: The prioritization of emergency vehicles through clear regulations ensures quicker response times, potentially saving lives during critical situations.
