The Odd-even scheme for cars in its second phase will again be implemented from April 15 to April 30, Delhi CM and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Chief Arvind Kejriwal said on Thursday.
However, top-level sources have confirmed to timesofindia.com that all the exemptions that were made during the first phase of experiment will continue in the second phase.
“No point in tinkering with something that is tried and tested,” said the source, justifying the Delhi government’s decision.
Women drivers and two-wheelers will once again be exempt from the restrictions which allow cars with odd-numbered plates to run on odd-numbered dates; even-numbered cars are permitted on the others.
81 per cent of those who interacted with the government through phone calls, a website or neighbourhood gatherings voted in favour of the traffic rules, Mr Kejriwal said.
The Chief Minister acknowledged a major complaint – that the capital does not have sufficient public transport. “We expect 1,000 additional buses in May and another 2,000 by the end of the year,” he said.
The odd-even rule was first tested by the government in the capital at the beginning of the year after the Supreme Court ordered emergency measures to combat the toxic smog in the world’s most polluted capital.
Based on a recent survey held by the AAP government, Kejriwal claimed that more than 80% of the people of Delhi were in favour of reintroduction of the scheme.
The first phase of the scheme to check pollution — in which odd and even number vehicles use the roads alternately — was implemented in the national capital from January 1 to 15.
While the trial gave mixed results in checking pollution levels, most people felt it definitely decongested the city’s roads.
