The Delhi government is soon going to start video-recording the practical tests for issuing licence to unskilled drivers, both for commercial and private vehicle use.
The AAP government informed the Delhi high court on Friday that it had agreed to the court’s suggestion to record practical tests taken by applicants as a step to prevent untrained or rash drivers from getting licences.
A social activist alleged that there was collusion and rampant corruption in the city’s transport department, and blamed its officials for a spate of accidents causing by speeding or rash driving. He also sought directions to the department and other agencies to reduce accidents by untrained drivers, who need to be identified at the very first stage when they apply for a license.
According to the data released by the Delhi Traffic police, the national Capital witnessed as many as 284 fatal accidents between January 1 and March 28, this year. In 2016, 1,548 fatal accidents took place, in which 1,591 persons were killed. In 2015, 1,582 fatal accidents took place, in which 1,622 persons were killed.
Acting Chief Justice Gita Mittal wondered why the department doesn’t videograph the tests under taken by applicants to check corruption by its staff and bring in greater transparency in the process.
HC recommended that the recordings of such practical tests must be preserved for a long time to zero in on people who cause accidents due to reckless driving.