The Department of Consumer Affairs is working on new rules to regulate radar equipment used to measure vehicle speeds, aiming to improve road safety. These new guidelines, set to be enforced under the Legal Metrology (General) Rules, 2011, will ensure that radar devices are accurate, dependable, and meet international standards, contributing to safer roads.
Radar equipment plays a crucial role in traffic law enforcement by helping authorities monitor speed limits, reduce accidents, and minimize damage to road infrastructure.
The upcoming rules will require that radar equipment used for speed measurement be verified and certified, ensuring it meets required industry standards. This verification process is designed to reduce the chances of malfunction or inaccuracies in speed readings, which could affect public safety.
"The legal metrology division has been working closely with stakeholders, including experts from the Indian Institute of Legal Metrology (IILM), Regional Reference Laboratories (RRSLs), and representatives from manufacturers," the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, said.
The draft rules have been published for public consultation, and after reviewing feedback from stakeholders, the final version will soon be released.
These rules are being developed in line with the International Organization of Legal Metrology (OIML) standards to ensure global compliance and better protection for all parties involved. Reliable speed measurements will not only help in identifying speeding violations but also deter unsafe driving behaviors, ultimately reducing accidents and road damage, the ministry said.
"Inaccurate speed measurements can undermine road safety by failing to detect speeding violations, leading to increased risks for road users," the statement added.
According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, a total of 461,312 road accidents were reported in 2022, resulting in 168,491 fatalities and 443,366 injuries. This marked an 11.9% increase in accidents, a 9.4% rise in fatalities, and a 15.3% increase in injuries compared to the previous year.
“With the rise in road accidents, the government’s initiative to regulate radar equipment is a timely step that will surely help reduce road accidents,” said Manish K. Shubhay, a partner at The Precept-Law Offices. “Verified radar equipment will also improve the effectiveness of traffic law enforcement,” he added.
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