Hyderabad: In the latest draft of the National Urban Transport Policy-2014, experts have suggested restricting the use of personal vehicles. The draft policy says the increase in personal transportation is due to deficiency in public transportation facilities.
“There is an urgent need to control the use of personal vehicles. The Government of India would support measures such as ‘traffic calm areas’, pedestrianised areas, car-limited zones, congestion-pricing zones, no-emission zones, high parking charges, park-and-ride facilities and other economic instruments to control use of personal vehicles,” said the draft policy.
During a day-long workshop, experts discussed new transportation realities and challenges. The Institute of Urban Transport India has prepared the draft policy, which is currently with the ministry of urban development awaiting Cabinet approval.
The draft suggests prioritising public transport over private vehicles. Planning should include both the city and the peri-urban areas as well as the regions around the city, which, for legal purposes, should be notified as local planning or metropolitan area.
