Hike in fitness fees: lorry owners threaten strike from December 9

The Andhra Pradesh Lorry Owners Association (APLOA) on Sunday (December 7) announced that if the government failed to heed to their plea to roll back the hike in fitness test fees, transportation of goods from railway sheds and shipyards across the State will be halted from the midnight of December 9.

At a press conference here, association State general secretary Y.V. Eeswara Rao said that following the notification [GSR 850 (E)] issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways on November 11, the State government jacked up vehicle testing and fitness fees, which compounded the financial woes of the vehicle owners.

He said though the government had the option of making alterations and offer concessions to vehicle owners, it chose to go ahead with implementing the Centre’s notification without making any changes.

He said fitness certification fee has been increased from ₹1,340 to ₹33,040 for heavy vehicles older than 20 years. Besides, there was also a significant rise in the fee collected from vehicles older than 13 years.

Mr. Eeswara Rao explained that these old vehicles were generally bought by aged drivers who used them for local operations, such as transporting goods from railway sheds and shipyards, to eke out a living. He said that of the vehicles being operated in the State, very few have crossed 15 years of age. Implementation of the notification without any concessions would deprive many vehicle owners of their livelihood, he said.

Mr. Rao said vehicle owners were already struggling with rising diesel prices, toll charges, spare parts cost and uneven tax structures. Small-time lorry owners were finding it difficult to stay afloat. Implementing these norms has only worsened their financial condition, he added.

The APLOA leader urged the government to consider the plight of the vehicle owners and consider concessions for them.