In a decisive move to enhance road safety during the hazardous winter fog, the Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA) has implemented significantly reduced speed limits for commercial vehicles plying on the state's major expressways during night hours. The new regulations, which came into force on Thursday, will remain effective until February 15, covering the peak fog season.
Revised Speed Limits for Enhanced Safety
The authority has taken note of the dense fog conditions that severely impair visibility, leading to an increased risk of accidents. Under the revised Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), bus drivers must now adhere to a maximum speed of 50 kilometres per hour, while truck drivers are restricted to 40 kilometres per hour during the night window from 8 PM to 8 AM.
This marks a substantial drop from the previous limits. Earlier, buses and trucks were allowed to travel at speeds up to 100 kmph and 80 kmph, respectively. For smaller passenger vehicles like minibuses and tempo travellers carrying more than eight passengers, the night speed cap is set at 60 kmph.
Daytime Limits and Enforcement Mechanisms
Even during daytime hours from 8 AM to 8 PM, caution remains the watchword. The speed for minibuses and tempo travellers is regulated at 80 kmph, while buses and trucks must not exceed 60 kmph and 50 kmph, respectively. The speed limit for private four-wheelers, however, has been left unchanged for now.
To enforce these rules strictly, UPEIDA will leverage its integrated traffic management system. From Friday night, the automated system will be configured to issue challans (fines) to vehicles found overspeeding. Additionally, patrolling vans and security staff have been briefed to follow the new protocol and maintain extra vigilance, especially when visibility drops below 50 metres.
Convoy System and Public Awareness Drive
On days with critically poor visibility, a unique community safety measure will be activated. Staff members will gather at key points like food plazas and fuel stations along the Lucknow-Agra, Purvanchal, Bundelkhand, and Gorakhpur Link expressways. Their task will be to convince bus and truck drivers to move forward in batches or groups, forming convoys for mutual safety.
Additional Chief Executive Officer of UPEIDA, Shrihari Pratap Shahi, stated that police personnel would also be deputed to persuade drivers of heavy vehicles to adhere to the speed limits and adopt the convoy system. The revised speed limits will be prominently publicised at entry points, toll plazas, and on LED signboards from Friday morning to ensure widespread awareness.
Shahi added a note of flexibility, indicating that the speed restrictions could be relaxed before the February 15 deadline if weather conditions improve significantly. This proactive revision of the SOP follows a meeting by UPEIDA officials who were concerned about the rising number of fatal crashes on these high-speed corridors during the fog season.
