Mumbai Traffic News: Mumbai Traffic Police (MTP) have announced a new ban on heavy vehicles to reduce traffic congestion in the city. The Mumbai vehicle ban will
begin on February 1. Under the new order, heavy vehicles will not be allowed to enter Mumbai from 8 am to 11 am and from 5 pm to 9 pm. Officials stated that these are the peak hours, facilitating the maximum vehicles at this hour. The presence of large vehicles make commute risky for other cars drivers, motorists and others. They said the growing number of vehicles and many large projects are under way across the city are the key reasons of the most gridlocks. The rules are stricter in South Mumbai. All heavy vehicles, including luxury buses, are banned from 7 am to 12 midnight. Only vehicles carrying essential goods can enter during this time. Heavy vehicles are allowed in South Mumbai only between 12 midnight and 7 am, reported MumbaiMirror. Also Read: Why Thane's Mira-Bhayander Flyover Abruptly Shrinks from Four Lanes to Two — Decoded Heavy vehicles are also banned on Mumbai's Eastern Freeway throughout the day and night, except for buses.
Which Vehicles Are Allowed?
However, some vehicles are exempt from the ban. These include vehicles carrying vegetables, milk, bread, bakery items, drinking water, petrol, diesel and kerosene. Ambulances, school buses, government and semi-government vehicles are also allowed to operate at all times. Luxury buses carrying passengers can enter the city, but not in South Mumbai.
Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Amitesh Kumar said the aim of the order is to ease pressure on roads during peak hours. He said slow-moving heavy vehicles block traffic and make journeys longer for other road users.
Strict Parking Rules
The police have also tightened parking rules. Heavy vehicles can park only in their private or rented parking areas or in authorised pay-and-park spaces. They are not allowed to park on public roads. Only two water tankers may park on nearby roads close to water supply points.
A traffic police official said the department first issued a draft order in September 2017 and invited public suggestions and objections. After reviewing the feedback, they issued the final order because the number of vehicles in Greater Mumbai has risen sharply and road space has reduced due to ongoing construction projects.
The decision has drawn criticism from transport groups. Bal Malkit Singh, chairman of the All India Motor Transport Congress, said the ban would affect work in South Mumbai and other parts of the city. He also warned that allowing only vehicles carrying essential goods could lead to corruption. He said trucks are used for important deliveries and are not on the roads for leisure like private cars.
