Old Car? No Fuel in Delhi Soon as ANPR Cameras Go Live at Fuel Stations – Read More

What Are End-of-Life Vehicles (ELVs)?

End-of-Life Vehicles, or ELVs, refer to vehicles that have exceeded their legally permitted road life. In Delhi, petrol vehicles older than 15 years and diesel vehicles older than 10 years fall under this category. The policy aims to remove these ageing, high-polluting vehicles from the streets as part of the city’s broader fight against air pollution.

Delhi’s Upcoming Crackdown: The Fuel Ban Explained

According to recent reports, Delhi is on the brink of implementing a ban that will stop petrol and diesel stations from selling fuel to ELVs. The infrastructure for this move is nearly complete. Out of approximately 500 fuel stations, around 485—including CNG outlets—have installed Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems. These systems are crucial to enforcing the rule by identifying vehicles as soon as they arrive at fuel stations.

How Will the System Work?

Once a vehicle enters a fuel station, ANPR cameras will scan its number plate. This data will then be cross-checked with the mParivahan database to determine if the vehicle has outlived its permissible age. If it qualifies as an ELV, the system will flag it and fuel will not be dispensed. The process is expected to be automated and operational in real-time.

Timeline and Current Status

The fuel sale ban was initially scheduled for April 1, 2024, but was delayed due to pending infrastructure. Now, with only 15 stations left to equip, authorities indicate the rollout could begin within two weeks. Final approval from the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) is awaited, which is expected soon.

Who Will Be Affected?

This enforcement applies not just to Delhi-registered vehicles but to all vehicles entering the city’s fuel stations, irrespective of their registration state. The universal application is aimed at ensuring compliance and preventing ELVs from sourcing fuel within Delhi’s borders.

What Are the Concerns?

While the policy’s intent is clear, its implementation raises several questions:

• Public Awareness: There are concerns about whether citizens are adequately informed about the new rule and its implications. 
• Operational Challenges: Questions have been raised about the efficiency of real-time verification and the potential for disputes at fuel stations. 
• Vehicle Disposal: Although over 42,000 ELVs have been impounded between 2023 and 2025, there’s limited clarity on how many have actually been scrapped. 
• Infrastructure Gaps: Delhi currently lacks a dedicated ELV scrapping facility, which may slow down the transition.

Exemptions and Clarifications Awaited

Experts have pointed out the need for clear communication around exemptions. For instance, vintage vehicles or those holding special permits may need to be excluded from the enforcement, but no formal guidelines have been released yet.

Conclusion: The Bigger Picture

As of September 2024, Delhi had over 6 million ELVs on record—a staggering number in a city already grappling with air quality concerns. The ANPR-based fuel ban is part of a larger strategy to control vehicular emissions, reduce road congestion, and push for cleaner alternatives. However, its success will depend heavily on execution, public cooperation, and clarity in policy enforcement.

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