Fine for overtaking from left a mistake of Minister: Gemunu

25 November 2016 04:50 am - 15 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The decision to impose a steep fine of Rs.25,000 for overtaking a vehicle from the left side was taken by the Transport Minister mistakenly during the meeting at the Finance Ministry, Lanka Private Bus Owners' Association President Gemunu Wijeratne said.

Addressing the media yesterday Mr. Wijeratne said that at present no such fine existed in the charge sheet used by the traffic police and there were several issues in regards to overtaking from the left side. “There is no way to implement such a law. Therefore people should not take this issue seriously,” he said.

“Only small vehicles such as motor cycles and three-wheelers overtake on the left side and therefore this law should not be relevant to buses. They don’t need to overtake on the left side, because buses always use the left side of the road,” he said. “I have explained all this to the minister and even the police. Accidents happen even when overtaking on the right side. The fine for improper overtaking on the right side was Rs.500. Because of that we agreed with the minister’s decision, as there is no need for buses to overtake on the left side. This will reduce road accidents,” he said.

“Personally, I like this law because by imposing this law it will discourage motorcyclists and other motorists from contravening traffic laws,” he said. (Chaturanga Pradeep)

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Comments - 15

Henry Friday, 25 November 2016 06:26 AM

What punishment should be given to your drivers who overtake smaller vehicles,cyclists and immediately cut to left side pavement immediately and jamming without considering traffic on left?

Arosha Friday, 25 November 2016 07:19 AM

Is Wijeratne only looking to agree to traffic fines that don't impact buses? And why would a legislation body ask this guy for his opinion anyway?

Romesh Friday, 25 November 2016 07:30 AM

We need to start an anti gemunu group and chase this fellow off. Over and over this fellow is proving that he us a fool. He does not care about his customers or his countrymen. Only cares about his pocket.

Aquarius Friday, 25 November 2016 07:32 AM

Gemunu, you are THE mistake trying to protect all your crazy drivers. Take five minutes to stand by the road side and see how these maniacs drive or just follow a bus for a kilometer. You may still not change your mind because that is business for you.

Ahamed Friday, 25 November 2016 07:34 AM

Most of of the bus don't take the left side they drive on the middle of the road blocking the other vehicles the other busses over take from the left side. I'm ready to if the private bus operateer boss come for a debate with me.

Nimal Friday, 25 November 2016 07:39 AM

All civilized countries adopt the safe policy to prohibit any vehicle overtaking from the left and Sri lanka must do the same, which is for the safety of all.

cheers Friday, 25 November 2016 07:42 AM

So the minister is blind and have no experience of running the ministry so how come he is in charge of what he does not know?????

spirit Friday, 25 November 2016 07:51 AM

Government should have backbone to stand against these culprits.

hitapangmachan Friday, 25 November 2016 08:15 AM

this fool is telling busses always going left I think this guy always looking behind via DM iOS App

jayasekara Friday, 25 November 2016 09:07 AM

This a good move though we may get delayed in getting to the destination but probability of getting there improves with this action. All those who are apposing is requesting to brake the rule and to be punished leniently. What is people ask the same thing for murder and rape etc

indikA Friday, 25 November 2016 09:16 AM

this man is crazy. he should see how the bus drivers drive like maniacs. he is not a earthling to give stupid comments such as this.

Leo Friday, 25 November 2016 09:27 AM

This government is pathetic. If the busses want to strike let them. All that the government needs to do is put more SLTB busses as well as an increase in the train service. After this all these big talk strikers will resume work like mice. via DM Android App

Dinu Friday, 25 November 2016 09:41 AM

Hi guys I own a bus When we drive on the road we get to take care the people In and out This is good move even I'm not fan of this government

Bandula Friday, 25 November 2016 09:42 AM

Only buses ply on roads via DM Android App

flat white Friday, 25 November 2016 09:45 AM

The problems is SL is not civilised

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Fine for overtaking from left a mistake of Minister: Gemunu

Comments - 15

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