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MOTOR VEHICLES ACTS - ADMINISTRATION

Policy Note 2003 - 2004

Demand No. 24

1.         IMPORTANCE OF ROAD TRANSPORT

An efficient transport system is essential for a modern society with a competitive economy. No economy would thrive without a sound transport system. Globalisation and current socio economic changes increase the demand for different modes of transport, particularly road transport. Therefore, efforts should be initiated to provide adequate number of vehicles of all kinds throughout the State. Nevertheless, this does not mean that the role of Transport Department ends with introduction of adequate number of services on the road. The  department has to coordinate and regulate the various services on the sector to ensure hassle free and accident free travel. Besides transport system must be developed in such a way in which different modes of transport complement one another. Above all, time has reached to develop    strategies to use road infrastructure scientifically to manage ever-growing congestion       and accidents. There is also urgent need to find out alternate transport energy technologies which eliminate emission totally. With the above priorities in mind, the Transport Department is working diligently and effectively through statutory and non- statutory schemes.

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2. 2.  ORGANISATIONAL SET UP

The Transport Department is headed by the Transport Commissioner and functions under the administrative control of the Home Department.  The Transport Commissioner acts as the State Transport Authority also.  In Chennai city, Joint Transport Commissioner (City) is the Regional Transport Authority while in the Districts, the Collectors are the Regional Transport Authorities.  Appeals and Revision petitions against the orders of the Regional Transport Authority and the State Transport Authority are considered by the State Transport Appellate Tribunal, Chennai.

3. FUNCTIONS

The Transport Department is administering the provisions of Central Motor Vehicles Act 1988, Central Motor Vehicles  Rules 1989, Tamil Nadu Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989; and Tamil Nadu Motor Vehicles Taxation Act and Rules, 1974.  Registration of  motor vehicles, grant of permits to transport vehicles, issue of driving and conductor licenses,  inspection of vehicles involved in accidents, collection of tax and fees, controlling vehicular pollution, promotion of road safety measures and other related issues connected with Transport system in the State are some of the main functions of the Transport Department.

4.         VEHICULAR POSITION AS ON 1.1.2003