Pune: No Ban On 15-Year-Old Vehicles; Entry Curbs Planned In Pollution Hotspots

Pune Regional Transport Office (RTO) has clarified that vehicles more than 15 years old will not be banned from travelling on roads. Instead of imposing a blanket ban on such vehicles, restrictions will be applied on entry into highly polluted areas of the city. Officials clarified that while discussions are underway, no final decision has been taken so far.

According to RTO officials, the proposed restrictions will focus on pollution hotspots, where older vehicles may be barred from entering or operating. The plan is part of a broader strategy to reduce vehicular emissions and manage traffic congestion more effectively. A final decision will be taken after a joint meeting with senior officials from the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), the transport department, and the district administration.

Swapnil Bhosale, Deputy Regional Transport Officer, speaking to The Free Press Journal, said, “ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) cameras will be installed on key roads in high-pollution zones once the plan gets clearance. These cameras will automatically detect vehicles and help initiate action against those violating any restrictions that may be imposed in the future. However, the final decision is under process, and soon it will be on the table. Accordingly, steps will be taken.”

Earlier, District Collector Jitendra Dudi had indicated that banning vehicles older than 15 years was one of the options discussed during a road safety meeting. However, he had made it clear that no decision had been finalised.

“We are considering various options to reduce the number of vehicles on the roads of the city. One of the suggestions discussed was to ban vehicles older than 15 years,” Dudi had said.

He also highlighted legal limitations, noting that there is a court ruling which does not permit banning vehicles solely based on their age. As an alternative, officials have explored the possibility of phasing out vehicles that do not meet Bharat Stage VI (BS-VI) emission standards, which could significantly help in reducing pollution.

Authorities have reiterated that all proposals remain under discussion and that a final, balanced decision will be taken after consultations with all concerned departments, keeping both environmental concerns and legal provisions in mind.