HC moved for implementing guidelines on roadside fuel outlets

The Madras High Court has issued notice to authorities on a PIL seeking implementation of Indian Road Congress (IRC) guidelines related to location of petrol stations on highways in Tamil Nadu.
Issuing notice, a bench comprising Chief Justice S K Kaul and Justice M Sundar posted the PIL to February 27 for next hearing.
Petitioner V B R Menon, an advocate, submitted that the IRC had laid down various norms for access, location and layout of roadside fuel stations so as to ensure public safety and free flow of traffic.
Contending that the government as well as oil companies had not taken any steps to enforce the guidelines in Tamil Nadu, he said as road accidents were higher in the state, these norms were of utmost importance.

Also, currently there was no prescribed guidelines or transparent criteria for issuing no-objection certificates (NOC) by state revenue authorities for site approvals to start petrol outlets, he said.
"This is resulting in the arbitrary exercise of powers by revenue authorities without giving due attention to traffic conditions and safety of vehicles and public," he added.