A.P. Lorry Owners’ Association demands withdrawal of draft notification on norms related to vehicle age

Members of the Andhra Pradesh Lorry Owners’ Association have urged the Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari to withdraw the draft notification issued by the Central government on February 7, 2025 on restrictions imposed on the vehicles older than 12 years.

In a letter addressed to the Union Minister, association general secretary Y.V. Eswara Rao said the draft notification on restrictions on vehicles older than 12 years is causing distress among vehicle owners and drivers across the country for various reasons.

“The new rule would lead to loss of livelihood as a large number of owner-cum-drivers depend on their vehicles because they are self-employed. This regulation will force them out of work, severely affecting their livelihood,” said Mr. Eswara Rao.

He said it would also thrust a financial burden on State governments and the Public Distribution System (PDS), as restrictions on old vehicles would lead to an increased financial burden by way of transport charges on State governments, especially in managing the PDS and other essential services.

He said the association wanted the Automated Testing Stations (ATS) to be abolished or brought under State government control.

He said vehicle-owners were already frustrated over excessive toll charges and that the new regulation would only add to their burden. He demanded a fixed fitness fee of ₹500 for small and medium vehicles and ₹1,000 for heavy goods and passenger vehicles.

He said the Centre should either withdraw the draft notification or modify it to protect vehicle owners from financial exploitation.