Shillong, Sept 19: Parking along national highways in the State has been prohibited for all types of vehicles except on bye-lanes/parking areas identified by the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI).

A statement issued on Thursday by the Meghalaya Commissioner of Transport said the restriction was imposed in view of public complaints.

The statement informed that all vehicles owners should ensure that no vehicles ply without number plate and that the vehicles should be affixed with the High Security Registration Plate (HSRP) as mandated in Rule 50 & 51 of the Motor Vehicle Rule, 1989. “Anyone found not complying with the government order, will be penalized as per the Motor Vehicle Act, 1988 as amended,” the statement said.

It is also informed that serious public complaints have been received regarding Local Taxis Owner’s/Driver’s for refusing to ferry the passengers as well as for over-charging.

The government also directed that all local taxi owner’s/driver’s to ensure that passengers are being ferried as and when asked for, to carry within the permitted seating capacity and also not to overcharge beyond the rates fixed by the Government. Anyone found not complying with the Government Order will be seriously dealt and penalized as per Motor Vehicle Act, 1988 as amended tantamount to cancellation/suspension of permit and driving licenses of the offender.

Further, the government informed that all goods carriage vehicle (LMV) owners/drivers within the State of Meghalaya should ensure not to carry beyond the permissible load capacity as registered with the office of the District Transport Officer, and anyone found not complying with the government order, will be penalized as per the Motor Vehicle Act, 1988 as amended.