All government vehicles that are 15 years old after April 1 next will have to be scrapped. This will also apply to transport corporations including KSRTC. The Center has published a draft notice in this regard for seeking public opinion. KSRTC has 331 buses for the last 14 years. If the rule is implemented, they will have to be demolished next year. There are 671 13-14 year old buses and 586 12-13 year old buses.
If the new rule comes into force, the registration of any government vehicle after 15 years will not be renewed. The relevant provision is contained in the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989. The new rule will apply to Central / State Governments, Corporations, Municipalities, Panchayats, State Transport Departments, Public Sector Undertakings, Central and State Autonomous Bodies. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari had stated the other day that all the vehicles that have completed 15 years with the government will be scrapped. A policy document in this regard has also been sent to the states.
∙ Demolition Policy
The scrapping policy is to gradually remove end-of-life vehicles from the roads. Through the scrapping policy, the government aims to reduce pollution, reduce fuel imports, promote the use of CNG electric vehicles, and encourage the use of more fuel efficient vehicles. This will increase sales of new vehicles. It will also help to convince the international community of our commitment to pollution control agreements.
∙ In which countries?
A scrapping policy has been implemented in Europe and various foreign countries. Apart from the scrap value of the vehicle, they also provide many discounts. In Canada, a ‘Vehicle Efficiency Incentive’ has been implemented to phase out fuel efficient cars. It was implemented in Germany under the name ‘Environmental Premium’. There is a policy in place in Austria and France called scrappage premium/eco premium and in Britain called the scrappage scheme. The United States, Japan, Norway, Portugal, China, Romania, Russia and Spain also have plans to get rid of old cars.
∙ Which vehicles should be submitted for inspection?
Private vehicles should undergo automated testing after completion of 20 years and public and commercial vehicles after completion of 15 years.
∙ Should all 20 year old cars be scrapped?
Not all 20 year old vehicles need to be scrapped. Discontinued vehicles should be subject to automated testing if they are to continue in use. Vehicles that successfully complete the tests are allowed to continue on the road. But the road tax will be much higher. The test will have to be retaken within a certain period.
∙ Can I get compensation?
When the vehicle is put up for scrap, a specific price (face value) is determined for that vehicle. It will be given to the owner of the vehicle.
∙ What are the benefits of buying a new vehicle?
A discount can be given if you show the demolition certificate of the old vehicle when buying a new vehicle. If green vehicles (CNG, electric) are purchased, the tax can be reduced.
∙ What is testing?
An expired vehicle should be subjected to detailed tests as prescribed by the government. Special automated testing centers will be set up for this purpose. During the tests, all the components like engine, brake, suspension, pollution will be checked in detail. After successful completion of the tests, the vehicle is allowed to be used again.
∙ What is the loss to the owner?
The vehicle should be well serviced before the test. Unusable parts will have to be replaced. Engine work will have to be done. The service itself costs a good amount of money. The fee for the test is different.
∙ How much for testing Rs
Will it cost? Automated testing is expensive. If the vehicle needs to be tested, expect to spend around Rs 40,000 to Rs 50,000. The owner of the vehicle has to pay this amount.
∙ Is there a facility to conduct tests in Kerala?
Currently there are testing stations in Kerala as per the norms prescribed by the Central Government. It is a combination of a vehicle test track and a driver test track. The Union Transport Ministry has approved 25 fitness testing centres.
Testing centers can be set up in all areas. Establish testing centers either directly by the government or with a public-private partnership.
∙ Will the used car market be affected?
Demand for vehicles less than ten years old will increase in the used car market. Special models are also in demand. Now 20 year old wagons are available under Rs 50,000. With the implementation of scrapping policy, the base price of used cars will increase. If you want to buy a good used car, you have to spend 1.5-2 lakh rupees for the base model itself. Demand for vehicles older than 15 years will decrease. 2000-2008 model cars will be priced lower.
∙ What do old cars do?
There will be a special rule for vintage vehicles. Two-wheelers and four-wheelers that are more than 50 years old from the date of registration and are not used for commercial purposes are considered as vintage category. Their registration fee is Rs 20,000 and re-registration is Rs 5,000. Tenure 10 years. Old cars are only allowed on the road for exhibition, technical research, car rally, refueling and maintenance. There is only a draft law. Not present.
∙ Are the scrap yards ready?
Scrap yards should have a mechanism to transfer metal parts, plastic components, rubber and glass to recycling units when vehicles are dismantled. There should be no environmental pollution. Scrap yards can only be started with the permission of the Pollution Control Board, Department of Environment, Industries, Local Self-Government and Department of Motor Vehicles.
English Summary: Know More About Scrappage Policy
