Mangaluru: Stakeholders under the aegis of Motor Vahana Tiddupadi Kaide Virodhi Horatta Samiti, Mangaluru on Wednesday took out protest rally against the recent amendment to the Motor Vehicles Act.

The main ire of the Samiti was against what they described was harsh penal provisions in the Act, ‘illegal’ collection of toll, irregularities in parking system that is forcing vehicle owners to cough up hefty fine amount for traffic violations.

Dinesh Kumpala, president, DK District Taximen’s Association who addressed the protesters said the amended Act that came in to force from September 1 has made the lives of those who eke out a living by operating taxi and other means of private public transport difficult. The government that has set out to curb traffic violations through these heft fines should first focus on addressing basic road infrastructure that is non-existent in most places, he said.

MLC Ivan D’Souza, president of Karmika Parishat said the amendment to the Act is a body blow to the working class, especially the drivers of private transport and goods vehicles. The union government is striving to oppress this working class, Ivan said, adding that it not possible to accept such draconian measures in a democratic set up. Only organised protest by all sections of society can help address such moves by the government, he noted.

DYFI state president Muneer Katipalla said national highways connecting Dakshina Kannada are in bad shape and the government apparently has not released funds to fill the potholes on these roads. The missed deadlines for completion of flyover at Pumpwell Circle has created new records, he said, adding assurances by Dakshina Kannada MP Nalin Kumar Kateel to upgrade the roads in the district have remained mere assurances on paper.