Authorities slashed maximum speeds for light vehicles (seven seats or fewer) to 80 kmph daytime (8 am to 8 pm) and 60 kmph nighttime. In visibility under 50 meters, drivers must pull over at amenity centers near toll plazas until conditions clear.
The measures, effective immediately until February 15 or fog clearance, trigger automated e-challans for violations via recalibrated traffic systems.
Additional steps include distributing safety pamphlets at tolls with speed guidelines, emergency contacts, and rest advice; loudspeaker announcements; large advisory boards; round-the-clock patrolling, ambulances, and cranes; enhanced reflectors on curves and fog-prone stretches; and fog lights at entry/exit points.
Officials urged motorists to use low beams, hazard lights, reflective tape, maintain distance, avoid overtaking, and rest if drowsy—parking only at designated spots.
The rules follow the December 16 Mathura tragedy, where dense fog sparked an 11-vehicle collision near Milestone 127, igniting fires that killed 13 initially (toll later rose to 19) and injured dozens. A sleeper bus braked suddenly, triggering chain reactions.
Statewide, fog caused over 30 accidents in four days, killing 28.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath ordered heightened patrols and inquiries. Similar winter curbs have applied previously on routes like Yamuna and Agra-Lucknow.
With Uttar Pradesh's vast expressway network often shrouded in winter haze, these steps aim to curb recurring fatalities from low visibility and high speeds. Enforcement ramps up as cold wave persists across 50 districts.
