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Heavy fines on drivers causing fatal accidents

24 January 2019 03:03 am - 19     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Fines imposed on errant drivers who cause fatal road accidents would rise appreciably in order to dissuade motorists from driving recklessly, Transport and Civil Aviation Minister Arjuna Ranatunga said yesterday.

He emphasized that in addition to imposing steep fines, action would be taken to suspend the driving licenses of drivers those who commit serious offences.

Minister Ranatunga said that necessary steps would be taken to strictly implement rules and regulations dealing with traffic offences in the coming weeks.

He said this while handing over compensation to accident victims at the Transport Ministry yesterday afternoon.

More people have died as a result of traffic accidents than those killed during the war, the minister added. "Only those who drive recklessly, endangering the lives of people will be against the increase in traffic fines and the suspension of their driving licences. In developed countries driving licences could be suspended for a period between six to twelve months depending on the severity of the traffic violation. But no such procedure has been introduced in our country so far, which is surprising," Minister Ranatunga said.

"Therefore I am proposing that the Ministry takes measures to introduce such a similar method to suspend an errant driver's licence which would come into force within the next couple of months", he said. (Chaturanga Samarawickrama)


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  Comments - 19

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  • Manel Thursday, 24 January 2019 03:54 AM

    This is a good move. In addition to this I propose that police deploy cops in civvies to be engaged to look for reckless drivers, especially the bus drivers and charge them before accidents happen.

    patriot Thursday, 24 January 2019 10:31 AM

    Instead police will hide in a corner and wait for the accidents to happen so that they will have some work to do but they will not be on the accident prone areas at all.

    Cluless Thursday, 24 January 2019 11:08 AM

    Charge plus long license suspensions.

    Moiez Thursday, 24 January 2019 04:46 AM

    Yes you are right Minister, pass the law immediately.

    S.M. Thursday, 24 January 2019 06:01 AM

    Excellent move Mr Minister hope it will really be implemented

    Lankan Thursday, 24 January 2019 06:23 AM

    Yet no fines or penalties for those who casing racial hated or those who created an illegal govt and wasted billions of tax payers resource?

    Mm Thursday, 24 January 2019 06:45 AM

    Traffic violations in this country is so bad!! From VIPS to Comman man they are arrogant Behing the wheel

    anne Thursday, 24 January 2019 06:46 AM

    GREAT NEWS the biggest offenders are the those idiots who drive our politicians around

    Tuwan Thursday, 24 January 2019 06:56 AM

    So the private bus drivers will vanish

    Lawry Thursday, 24 January 2019 07:08 AM

    Good idea. Even skilled drivers are affected by the reckless drivers. They cause others to collide and escape without a fine.

    ANTON Thursday, 24 January 2019 07:19 AM

    HEAVY FINES SHOULD BE IMPOSED ON TRAFFIC COPS WHO TAKE BRIBES FROM NOTORIOUS MOTORISTS....... ABOUT 25% FATAL ACCIDENTS CAN BE PREVENTED.

    Observer Thursday, 24 January 2019 07:23 AM

    Minimize talking and take prompt action.

    Coconut Republic Thursday, 24 January 2019 09:30 AM

    Bring back the lane discipline driving back immediately and implement for minimum of 6 months to see the results. Also on all main roads the traffic signal system must be changed. I. E keep the right turn and straight drive timings together.

    Yahiya Thursday, 24 January 2019 09:37 AM

    Minor traffic offence lead to major violation of law

    Chamara Thursday, 24 January 2019 10:07 AM

    Only if they survive the accident. Can't fine a dead person.

    SAM Thursday, 24 January 2019 10:23 AM

    Before things get fatal, Heavy punishment should be enforced to drunk drivers

    Ajith E Thursday, 24 January 2019 04:27 PM

    Well Done!!!. Keep it up.Excessive sound is very bad for the human ears.Likewise please stop maniac music in the buses.

    s.n.p.fernando Thursday, 24 January 2019 04:49 PM

    is this applicable for TRISHAWS too

    Shelly Thursday, 24 January 2019 05:20 PM

    This should be implemented strictly for back up vehicles of all MP’s including PM AND PRESIDENT


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