Noida has tightened vehicle restrictions after Stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan was implemented across the Delhi-NCR in response to rising air pollution, with traffic police announcing action against specified petrol, diesel and goods vehicles from Friday.
The restrictions apply to BS-3 petrol and BS-4 diesel vehicles travelling from Gautam Buddh Nagar to Delhi and moving within the district. Heavy and medium goods vehicles carrying sand, soil or similar materials in the open will also not be allowed to operate under the enforcement measures.
Noida Traffic Police has issued guidelines for vehicle users. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Syed Ali Abbas said diesel vehicles more than 10 years old and petrol vehicles more than 15 years old would not be allowed on roads in Gautam Buddh Nagar. Vehicles found violating the restriction may be seized and action may be taken under the Motor Vehicles Act, according to the report.
Vehicle owners have also been directed to keep their Pollution Under Control certificates updated. The traffic police has appealed to motorists to switch off their engines while waiting at red lights, a measure intended to limit unnecessary emissions during stops.
The restrictions add an enforcement layer to the wider pollution-control measures being implemented under GRAP-3. The traffic police said surveillance would be carried out through CCTV cameras linked to the command control centre, and action would be taken against drivers found violating the rules.
The measures are likely to affect daily travel between Noida, other parts of Gautam Buddh Nagar and Delhi, particularly for owners of older diesel and petrol vehicles. In its advisory, the traffic police asked residents to reduce the use of private vehicles and use buses, the metro and other forms of public transport wherever possible.
The announcement also places greater operational importance on public transport during the restriction period. However, the report does not specify the duration of the vehicle restrictions or provide details of any exemption categories. It also does not state the number of vehicles expected to be affected.
Residents facing traffic congestion or difficulties in movement can contact the Noida Traffic Police helpline at 9971009001 or send complaints through WhatsApp at 7065100100. The department is also available on X through the handle @noidatraffic. Enforcement will be monitored through the command control centre and continued action will follow under the applicable motor vehicle provisions.
