Public outrage: Kerala govt seeks to amend Centre's Motor vehicle bill 

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Following public outrage against heavy fines, the Kerala government has started measures to challenge the Motor vehicle bill passed by the Central government. It is learnt that the government is planning to amend the Centre's circular regarding the hiking of traffic fines.

Meanwhile, the transport department has sought advice from the legal department regarding the legality of the amendment. According to sources, a decision regarding the amendment will be made soon after the Onam holidays. It is believed that there would be a huge reduction in the fines following the amendment.

Earlier, both CPM and Congress had come out against the heavy traffic fine imposed by the Central government. The public had also raised a protest against the bill getting implemented in Kerala earlier than in other states. It is learnt that the Pala upcoming by-election also forced the government to act quickly against the bill.

As per sources, an amendment can be made to the bill as the Motor vehicle act belongs to the concurrent list. However, it must be noted that the fine rates after the amendment will be higher when compared to the rates before the enforcing of Motor vehicle bill.