Remove crash guards from cars in Maharashtra or be ready to pay a fine of at least Rs500

Taxi operators have invested large amounts into fitting the safety guards in their taxis and they have requested Nitin Gadkari to withdraw the directive

After cracking down on tinted glass on vehicles, the transport commissioner’s (TC) office now wants Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) to remove crash guards. In a circular, the TC office asked the RTOs to start taking immediate action on vehicles with such fittings in the state and set a minimum fine of Rs500 for the offence.

Majority of vehicles, especially taxis, SUVs and heavy vehicles are fitted with crash guards made of iron, steel or aluminum. (HT FILE)

The action is being taken after the ministry of road transport and highways last month issued a directive saying, “The fitment of crash guards/bull bars on vehicles poses serious safety threats to pedestrians as well as occupants of the vehicle.”

The ministry had asked all state governments to take stern action against unauthorised fitment of crash guards or bull bars on vehicles. Majority of vehicles, especially taxis, SUVs and heavy vehicles are fitted with crash guards made of iron, steel or aluminum in the front to avoid scratches or damage to vehicles, especially the engine.

AL Quadros, who heads the Mumbai Taximen’s Union, has written to Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road Transport and Highways, asking him to withdraw the directive as taxi operators have invested large amounts into fitting the safety guards in their taxis. “The earlier Padmini cars had bumpers in the front and rear side which protected the engine. However, the Maruti Omni cars have bo bumpers. The taxi operators have fitted the safety guards to protect their passengers, taxis and driver. I request you to withdraw the directive issued to the transport department.” wrote AL Quadros in his letter.