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Police to put brakes on errant drivers

by Jayantha Sri Nissanka

Police have launched an islandwide clampdown on errant drivers in the aftermath of a spate of fatal accidents which have claimed over 15 lives in just one week.

Deputy Inspector General of Traffic Daya Jayasundara has urgently sought 200 additional policemen to patrol the roads in order to ensure road discipline.

Interior Minister John Amaratunga, commenting on the increasing number of accidents said that two groups (DIG's Committee and Advisory Committee) are now studying amendments to Traffic Laws.

He said that at present fines for violation of traffic laws are nominal. The fines will be increased as a deterrent measure. Strict action will be taken against errant drivers.

"We will also urge the Commissioner of Motor Traffic to be very strict in issuing driving licences," the Minister added.

Defence, Transport, Highways and Civil Aviation Minister Tilak Marapana has also called for an urgent meeting to discuss the prevailing trend of accidents and adopt remedial measures. He will meet the Motor Traffic Commissioner, senior police officers, representatives of the private bus unions and members of the National Transport Commission.

Traffic DIG Daya Jayasundara has written to Minister Amaratunga and IGP Lucky Kodituwakku requesting at least 100 additional policemen for highway duty with immediate effect, Police Department sources said.

The DIG has also directed all police stations to strictly impose traffic laws.

"Existing traffic laws have a provision for the suspension of licenses of errant drivers but this is not widely implemented. The DIG has directed traffic policemen to strictly implement this rule," he said.

The spokesman also suggested that fines be increased substantially as a deterrent measure. This decision can be implemented once the Interior Minister approves it, he noted.

The Traffic DIG had also deployed policemen in civvies to observe the traffic situation and submit a report. The DIG had also suggested weekly meetings of the National Council of Road Safety once a week at least for the next two months.

The Police also plan to hold a meeting of senior Police officers in the second week of July to further discuss additional measures for controlling traffic. The Traffic Division will also hold seminars to educate drivers of buses and three wheelers.

On Monday alone, 10 persons were killed and 43 injured in road accidents. Earlier on Friday night, a catholic priest riding his motorcycle was knocked down by a lorry on Baseline Road. His condition is reported to be critical.

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