Implementation a challenge

Dear Editor,

As you will be aware road safety is a major issue that needs to be urgently tackled. The government has recently put forward a draft Road Transport and Safety Bill, 2014, which includes proposals that will lead to the repealing of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. Changes put forward include the setting up of a new national authority to implement safety measures, the introduction of new-age technology to improve administration, and a large increase in penalties for traffic violations.

These changes are very welcome. However, a closer look at the bill reveals that its implementation will be a challenge. To understand why it is critical that we get the implementation right we need only look at the confusion that surrounds the recent overhaul of the Companies Act. Over a year after the Companies Act, 2013, has come into force, several key provisions are yet to be implemented. This has triggered considerable confusion surrounding the applicability of the old act – the Companies Act, 1956 – with respect to provisions of the new act that have not been notified. The confusion has been compounded by hints given by the government that more changes to the new act are expected in order to make it more effective. Having made numerous presentations on the Companies Act, 2013, I realize that the issues surrounding its implementation have resulted in companies being sceptical about the entire process.

I believe that the new road transport law will meet a similar fate if steps are not taken to make it more realistic. Media reports suggest that several state governments have already made their objections known. Can it be implemented if state governments are not fully convinced of its benefits?