To strengthen road safety in India, the Supreme Court has taken a major and significant decision. The court has ordered a complete ban on the parking of heavy and commercial vehicles on highways. The court noted that while highways constitute only about 2% of the country’s total road network, they account for nearly 30% of road accidents. This statistic is extremely worrying, and this strict action has been taken with this in mind.
The Supreme Court clearly stated that highways, especially expressways, are built for high-speed traffic. They cannot be allowed to become dangerous routes. If even one life is lost due to illegal parking, black spots, or poor management, it will be considered a major systemic failure.
Vehicles will not be allowed to park on the highway
According to the court order, no trucks or commercial vehicles will be allowed to park on the main road or the side of the highway. Parking will be permitted only in designated parking zones, lay-bys, or authorised spaces. This rule has been implemented because parked trucks often cause accidents, especially at night when visibility is low.
Action will be taken as follows.
Technology will also be used to enforce this decision strictly. The court has directed the implementation of an Advanced Traffic Management System (ATMS), GPS-linked photo evidence, and an e-challan system. This will enable immediate action against violators. NHAI, the state police, and the transport department will have to work together to implement this rule in full. The Supreme Court has set a 60-day deadline for implementing this rule in full. The District Magistrate (DM) of each district has been tasked with creating a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) and ensuring its compliance.
Action will also be taken against illegal constructions.
The court has also taken a strict stance against encroachments along the highway. New dhabas or commercial shops will no longer be allowed to be built within the highway boundary. Existing illegal constructions have also been ordered to be removed within 60 days. Additionally, licenses issued near highways will be reviewed. To further improve road safety, a special Highway Safety Task Force will be formed at the district level. This team will monitor and take corrective action where necessary.
Improved Systems
Emphasis has also been placed on infrastructure improvements. Instructions have been given to develop better lighting, surveillance systems, and safe parking spaces (lay-bys) for trucks at regular intervals in accident-prone areas. Overall, this Supreme Court decision is being considered a major step towards making highways safer. Stricter regulations, the use of technology, and the responsibility of all agencies have been established, which is expected to reduce road accidents in the future.
