This story is from September 13, 2019

Karnataka: Debate over traffic fines splits deputy CMs

The wide-ranging debate in the country over new traffic fines has split two key members in BS Yediyurappa’s cabinet. Deputy chief minister CN Ashwath Narayan on Thursday termed his peer Govind M Karjol’s statement on the issue as irresponsible.
Karnataka: Debate over traffic fines splits deputy CMs
(Left-right) CN Ashwath Narayan and Govind M Karjol
BENGALURU: The wide-ranging debate in the country over new traffic fines has split two key members in BS Yediyurappa’s cabinet. Deputy chief minister CN Ashwath Narayan on Thursday termed his peer Govind M Karjol’s statement on the issue as irresponsible.
While responding to a public argument that questions imposition of steep fines when roads are in a terrible condition, Karjol, also a deputy CM, claimed on Wednesday that most accidents occurred on good roads, and not bad ones, as people drove at high speed.

Narayan reacted to the comments on Thursday, saying goods road were not the problem. “One must be careful while making statements in public. Good roads are never detrimental,” he said.
Realising he had been too critical of his colleague, Narayan added: “It’s normal that motorists drive at high speed on good roads. Karjol might have made his statement on that count. But I personally don’t endorse it.”
BS Yediyurappa has said some traffic penalties will be reduced in Karnataka. But Narayan insisted that any cut would be only nominal. “The intention is to ensure road safety and there’s no compromise on it whatsoever. We will reduce fines nominally on minor violations. Fines for major violations, such as drunken driving, will remain high,” he said.
Union minister DV Sadananda Gowda said in Bengaluru on Thursday that state governments were free to decide on the quantum of traffic fines. He made the comment while presenting a report card on the Modi government’s 100 days.
“There are reports that the road accidents have reduced after new rules came into effect. It’s a positive sign,” he said.
Laxman Savadi, the third deputy CM in Yediyurappa’s cabinet, said the state would take a call on the issue after studying the models of Maharashtra and Gujarat, which have pared down penalties. Savadi is in charge of transport.
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