Karnataka deputy chief minister Govind Karjol.

BENGALURU: Amid calls that the government should first improve road infrastructure before imposing hefty fines for traffic violations, Karnataka deputy chief minister Govind Karjol on Wednesday said good roads were responsible for accidents.

Karjol, who holds the Public Works portfolio, was responding to reporters in Chitradurga on why the penalties should be exorbitant when the 'pathetic' infrastructure was causing accidents.

Good roads and not the bad roads are responsible for accidents. If you see our highways, vehicles move at a speed of 100kmph or 120kmph, the deputy chief minister said.

Karjol said he too was not in favour of the exorbitant penalty and the state cabinet will take a decision on reducing the fine amount.

His comments drew criticism on social media with several questioning his logic.

Congress spokesperson Brijesh Kalappa 'hailed' Karjols comment on his Facebook page.

A debate is on over the steep fines prescribed in the amended Motor Vehicle Act for traffic rule violations with a section of people slamming the move and demanding that the government should first provide good road infrastructure.

