In an effort to crack down on traffic violations and protect pedestrians, the Karnataka government is planning a steep hike in fines for motorists who drive cars or two-wheelers on footpaths. The penalty may go up from ₹500 for a first offence to ₹5,000, and repeat offenders can be fined up to ₹10,000 under the proposal being considered by the state government. If passed, it will increase the financial burden on motorists who use pedestrian paths to avoid traffic jams.
The Transport Department has reportedly sent a proposal to the government seeking an increase in penalties for driving on footpaths, but the government has not taken any decision yet. If the rules are framed, motorist can be fined ₹5,000 first time he drives on footpath and ₹10,000 second time. The proposal is said to discourage motorists from using pedestrian pathways as alternative routes during peak traffic hours.
Footpaths are meant to be safe walking spaces for pedestrians (senior citizens, children and people with disabilities). But in many parts of Bengaluru, motorists have started riding motorcycles and driving cars on footpaths to avoid traffic jams. This puts pedestrians at great risk and often forces them to step onto busy roads to avoid approaching vehicles. The proposed penalty increase should solve the problem because violations will be much more expensive.
The issue came to light in Bengaluru when encroachments were cleared from footpaths across the city. In pursuance of Supreme Court orders, authorities had carried out drives to clear illegal structures and obstructions on pedestrian pathways in several areas. The aim was to restore footpaths for their intended use so that pedestrians could walk without having to compete with vehicles or encroachments.
However, even after several footpaths were cleared, motorists started using the restored pedestrian spaces to escape traffic congestion. This is another problem for traffic police and civic authorities. “Though encroachments have been removed in some places, it has improved pedestrian access but vehicles entering footpaths still undermine pedestrian safety,” said a government official. So the government is looking at stiffer penalties for motorists to stop them from abusing these spaces.
Apart from raising fines for driving on footpaths, the Karnataka government is also considering revising penalties for several other traffic violations too parking vehicles on footpaths; driving in the wrong direction on one-way roads; illegal parking; parking in no parking zone and jumping traffic signals are some of them. The proposed changes are said to bring road discipline and make motorists follow traffic rules.
Wrong-side driving is another problem in Bengaluru (especially on busy roads and narrow streets). Some drivers enter the road from the opposite side to save time, but this causes dangerous situations for vehicles travelling correctly. Illegal parking and vehicles occupying footpaths also inconvenience pedestrians and block traffic flow.
Traffic signal violations are also a major road safety problem. Jumping red lights can cause collisions between cars, two-wheelers, pedestrians and other road users. Penalties for such violations could be increased (if rules are enforced consistently and violations monitored) as a deterrent but only if the rules are followed consistently and violations are monitored.
The proposed fine revision is particularly relevant to Bengaluru, where increasing numbers of vehicles and traffic congestion have made road management a major problem. Commuters often wait hours in morning and evening peak hours, but using footpaths or driving against traffic rules to save time can endanger other road users too. Authorities say tougher enforcement and higher penalties could help compliance.
If the proposal gets government approval, motorists may have to be more careful on congested roads. But what exactly will be the penalty amounts, when will they be implemented, and how will it be enforced is not clear yet. Until a final notification comes from the government, these ₹5000 and ₹10000 fines should not be treated as rules implemented.
The government’s decision shows that pedestrian safety is as much an issue as traffic management: footpaths have to be accessible to people on foot, and motorists should obey traffic rules even when there are jams. Bengaluru residents and motorists in Karnataka will watch closely for the final decision on the penalty increase proposed by the government.
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