Govt plans law to limit number of cars owned by a family

The government proposes to bring a law capping the number of vehicles a family can own.

Road Transport Minister Obaidul Quader told Parliament on Monday a draft Road Transport Act proposed a ceiling on the number of cars a family could have.

However, there was no decision yet on the number, he added.

Two new laws – the Bangladesh Road Transport Authorities Act and the Road Transport Act – were in the final stages of drafting, said Quader in reply to the question by independent MP Haji Mohammad Salim.  

“Private vehicles are mostly blamed for the traffic gridlocks. Many say controlling their numbers would bring the traffic situation under control,” said Quader.

He also blamed drivers for road traffic accidents and stressed on the need for training them.   

“Drivers need training. They want to drive as soon as they touch the steering wheels. They don’t care about rules or discipline.

“They like to drive free style. We’ve held meetings with vehicle owners and workers over this. We’re taking measures.”

The rate of car crashes will not drop if the roads have four lanes but it will require more awareness from drivers, he observed.

The work to change the Dhaka-Chittagong Highway into a four-lane road is almost finished and can be inaugurated in May, he added.