Kolkata: West Bengal will not implement the amended Motor Vehicles Act as the hefty fine proposed in it will overburden the common man, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said on Wednesday.


In a federal structure it is the prerogative of a state to decide on issues like enforcing the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, she said.

Besides, the state government has already initiated the 'Safe Drive Save Life' campaign which has yielded good result, she told reporters here.

"We(WB govt) are not implementing the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019. We have already initiated 'Safe Drive Save Life' campaign which has yielded good result. We are working with the NGOs so that the campaign reaches everyone," Banerjee said.

The 'Safe Drive Save Life' campaign was launched by the chief minister herself in July 2016.

Elaborating on the reason behind the state government not enforcing the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act passed by Parliament, she said "We are not implementing it here as it is harsh. The fine proposed will be very hard on the poor."

The provisions of the Act have been examined by the state government and the officials are of the view that it will overburden the people.