Keralam to review colour code for tourist buses
Transport department issued the order taking into account the All India Tourist Vehicles (Permit) Rules, 2023, as well as demands from the tourism sector
The government has directed the State Transport Authority (STA) to reassess the unified colour code implemented for non-Light Motor Vehicle (LMV) contract carriages operating as tourist buses in Kerala. This decision stems from the All India Tourist Vehicles (Permit) Rules, 2023, and multiple requests from the tourism industry. The Transport secretary's notification indicates that the STA introduced the colour code on August 11, 2021, following a High Court order that prohibited the display of large film star images and text on buses for road safety reasons.
However, the Central government's All India Tourist Permit Rules do not specify a colour for tourist vehicles. Complaints have surfaced that the colour code, particularly the white designation for tourist buses, only applies to buses registered in Kerala, thus disadvantaging out-of-state vehicles that hold All India permits and operate in the region without such restrictions.
This discrepancy has led to a loss of government revenue for the State due to some owners opting to register their buses in other States. The Kerala government, exercising its authority under Section 67(1)(d) of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, has mandated the STA to reevaluate its 2021 decision and issue subsequent orders ensuring conformity with Central regulations and previous High Court directives.
Additionally, the notification stresses that any new measures must comply strictly with the High Court's directives on road safety, specifically prohibiting large images or text of film stars on the bus exterior and safety glass.
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