But the recent two incidents involving tractors in Uttar Pradesh, which claimed 36 lives, have put the limelight back on the concern over the blatant violation of the traffic law and has also highlighted the need to bring in better standards fortractor trolleys.
Currently, trolleys attached to the tractors are largely manufactured by the unorganised players and there are minimum standards for them, barring their dimensions, axle load and rear lights. But these are also not adhered to as the owners try to increase the size of trolleys to carry more goods. Rarely can one find tractor trolleys withback lights to warn any approaching vehicle.
Since trolleys are only attached to the tractors, the trolleys don’t have any braking system and these lack shock absorbing capacity. Experts said since the vehicles usually ply on undulating surfaces while carrying people, they can also pose high risk to occupants. They say there is a significant risk of toppling andhence, they are meant only for carrying goods and must not be allowed to carry people.
TOI has learnt that though a proposal was mooted for synchronisation of brakes in the trolleys with the main tractor a few years back, it was shelved because of opposition from different groups. “First, the trolleys lack a very stable structure and there is hardly any enforcement of rules considering that matters relating to tractors are politically sensitive. So, introducing new standards and enforcement of traffic laws becomes tough,” said a government source.
Road safety expert Rohit Baluja said there has to be a comprehensive system with definition and accountability of all stakeholders who are key participants and decision makers.
