Safer roads ahead: No compromise in cars’ safety norms, says Nitin Gadkari

NEW DELHI: The government, which is working on legislation to make safety standards more stringent for vehicles, has indicated that it won’t relent to auto makers’ demand for leeway on implementation of the proposed measures. “All vehicles models, whether economy or luxury, have to follow and comply with safety requirements,” road transport minister Nitin Gadkari told reporters at his residence on Tuesday. He said the proposed road safety Bill will be discussed in Cabinet by February.

The ministry is planning to hold a meeting with state governments over adoption of road safety technology. The government is working on coming up with safety star rating and the detail protocol for it is likely to be ready by mid-2015. Safety features like anti-lock braking system, electronic brake distribution and seat-belt reminder would get credits in the rating of a car. Higher the number of stars, better the safety features.

The auto industry has been advocating a phased adoption of these steps, saying that their implementation would lead to a substantial increase in vehicle prices.

The government, meanwhile, plans to also implement crash safety programme, Bharat New Vehicle Safety Assessment Program, by 2016-17 when testing facilities for automobiles will become operational. Cars would have star ratings based on their safety performance.