Over 500 traffic violations on Southern Expressway

Ridma Dissanayake

The Southern Expressway Traffic Division had charged 540 motorists for violating highway traffic rules on the Southern Expressway so far, since its opening. Motorists who exceeded the the100 kilo metre speed limit were charged. A total of 68 accidents had occurred on the country's first Expressway in two months since its opening.

Excessive speed, reckless driving and violation of other regulations are the main violations. Meanwhile, charges have also been filed against pedestrians for walking along the Expressway, which is prohibited. Twenty three people have suffered minor injuries due to these traffic offences.

The new Expressway Traffic Division is administered by a Deputy Inspector General (DIG) with similar powers vested to that of the Western Province Traffic DIG.

Police officers will be recruited after undergoing a special training to control Expressway traffic and three traffic control units are already in place at Gelanigama, Kurundugahahatakma and Pinnaduwa. New traffic regulations have also been introduced for motorists using the Expressway.

According to Police the existing fines will be increased for traffic violations on the super highways and expressways.

The Special Task Force (STF) is conducting routine patrolling operations on the Southern Expressway.

Police have charged 153 motorists who violated highway traffic rules on the Southern Expressway so far since its opening. The SP noted that the law will be strictly implemented against motorists violating traffic laws on the Southern Expressway.