The Delhi government waived custody fees for vehicles impounded by the transport department and traffic police and unable to be bailed out by their owners on Monday. The reprieve has been extended until September 30.
The Delhi government said that the decision has been taken in view of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) situation. “As per an advisory issued by the government of India on June 17, parking/custody charges imposed under Rule 16 of Delhi Maintenance and Management of Parking Rules 2019 are waived off,” the order said.
According to officials from the transport department, many vehicle owners were unable to get their impounded vehicles released due to Covid and lockdown, resulting in accumulated custody charges. According to PTI, officials claimed that one vehicle had a Rs 2 Lakh custody charge.
In a June order, the Union ministry of road transport and highways proposed extending the validity of various types of motor vehicle documents, such as driver’s licences, fitness tests, and registration certificates, that were unable to be renewed due to the lockdown, until September 30.
If their owners do not get their vehicles released within 48 hours after being impounded for any violations of the Motor Vehicles Act by enforcement teams from the Transport Department or the Delhi Traffic Police, they will face custody charges. Custody fees vary depending on the type of vehicle and range from Rs 200 to Rs 1500 per day.
Hundreds of such vehicles are impounded by the transport department in impounding pits in Burari, Dwarka, and Sarai Kale Khan.
Last year, the Delhi government issued a similar relaxation. The relaxation was granted due to Covid-19 restrictions, according to Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot.
