Vehicles to be banned using elevated expressway after three violations

To reduce speeding and accidents on the Dhaka Elevated Expressway, vehicles that violate traffic rules three times will be banned from using the expressway, authorities announced today.

Besides, video cases will be filed against vehicles exceeding the speed limit on the expressway from 21 February, said Captain (retd) Hasib Hasan Khan, head of traffic safety and security at the First Dhaka Elevated Expressway Company Ltd.

"We have decided that we will ask the police to file cases if the 100km per hour (kmph) speed limit is exceeded. The case will be filed by the Dhaka Metropolitan Police," he said at a press conference in Dhaka.

The current maximum speed limit on the main elevated expressway is 60kmph, while the speed limit on the entrance and exit ramps is 40kmph.

However, officials are in discussions with the Bangladesh Bridge Authority about raising the maximum speed limit to 80kmph in line with the expressway's design specifications, said Hasib.

Regarding the police's role in enforcing speed limits, he said that since video cameras are installed at the expressway's central command centre, police officers cannot always be physically present.

Dhaka Elevated Expressway authority during a press conference on 8 February. Photo: TBS

"We will connect to the police office through a cable so they can monitor the situation remotely," he added.

Hasib further stated, "If the same vehicle violates the speed limit three times, it will be banned from using the elevated expressway in the future based on case records."

He mentioned that since its opening on 2 September 2023, there have been several incidents of vehicle overheating, tire punctures, fuel shortages, disruptions to airport passenger services, and accidents on the expressway. 

In January alone, 90 vehicles suffered engine failures, 51 experienced tire bursts, 20 ran out of fuel, and 10 major accidents were recorded.

More rules for expressway

Captain (retd) Hasib said they formulated some new guidelines to improve traffic discipline and reduce violations on the expressway.

The new guidelines mandate that vehicles must always stay within their designated lanes, and any vehicle changing lanes without a valid reason will face penalties. 

Stopping or parking on the expressway is strictly prohibited to ensure the smooth flow of traffic, he said. "In the event of a vehicle breakdown or technical issue, drivers are required to move to the emergency lane and immediately report the issue to the expressway authorities."

Vehicle owners will also be held financially accountable for any damage caused to toll booths, lanes, or other infrastructure, with legal action taken if compensation is not provided. 

Furthermore, open vehicles, those emitting excessive black smoke, and improperly secured cargo vehicles that pose safety risks will be banned from using the expressway. 

Also, passengers are prohibited from being picked up or dropped off on the expressway. 

"Drivers must maintain a safe distance between vehicles, and throwing any items - such as toll tickets or tissue paper - onto the expressway will result in fines," Hasib added.

Additionally, trucks and pick-up vehicles must ensure their cargo is properly secured when entering toll lanes, while heavy or slow-moving construction vehicles are not permitted on the expressway.