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Long distance buses to strike if minimum fine not reduced

16 November 2016 04:04 pm - 9     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Inter-Provincial Private Bus Association (IPPBA) today said it they would definitely go on a countrywide bus strike, if the Finance Minister failed to provide a reasonable solution to the proposed increase in the minimum penalty of Rs.2,500 for traffic offences.

While addressing media in Narahenpita today, the President of the IPPBA Sarath Vijitha Kumara said Minister Ravi Karunanayake should revise the minimum penalty of Rs.2, 500 for traffic offences proposed in the budget, after discussions with the IPPBA.

“It is not fair to increase the minimum offence of Rs. 20 to Rs.2,500. If the minimum fine minimum for an offence is increased that much, we can realize how much will going to be charged for other offences,” he said.

“However, it is fair to impose such fines for drunken drivers,” he said.

“Bus drivers are not the only killers on the road. If they do so, it is a result of current road. We don’t need to have a discussion after a strike. Our association is not taking decisions as Gemunu Wijeratne’s bus association. We always try to take decision only after discussions to minimalize the damage to the country,” he said.

Mr. Kumara said increasing the minimum offence was not reasonable. It could only be applicable after providing proper infrastructures.

“Traffic Police personnel are not 100 percent law abiding to impose such penalties. It will be a paradise to the Traffic Police,” he charged

Finally, the IPPBA urged President Maithripala Sirisena to take action to scrap the penalty hike and revise the fine at a reasonable point. (Chaturanga Pradeep)


  Comments - 9

  • sobers Wednesday, 16 November 2016 04:59 PM

    People will now want to join the traffic Police!

    stardust Wednesday, 16 November 2016 05:15 PM

    Opposite ! The fine is too low and should be increased....

    Jagath Leanage Wednesday, 16 November 2016 05:51 PM

    Let them strike . Government should not change their original stance . Maximum they will strike only for 2 days and will back to run as they have to pay their leases . Government should concern the safety of people .

    karigalan Wednesday, 16 November 2016 06:00 PM

    Traffic Police personnel are not 100 percent law abiding to impose such penalties. It will be a paradise to the Traffic Police,” he charged -Shame to our Poice

    mohan Wednesday, 16 November 2016 06:04 PM

    please go on strike with or without notice .

    nimal Wednesday, 16 November 2016 06:58 PM

    On what basis could normal people oppose this effort to stop the lunacy on our roads?Investigate driving test examiners bank accounts?

    peterh125 Wednesday, 16 November 2016 07:55 PM

    strike should take buses off the road. Safer for everyone but inconvenient via DM Android App

    Lanki Wednesday, 16 November 2016 07:55 PM

    The Government should not reduce the fine. Government should also request all buses, three wheels, and trucks to have speed control devices installed in them as well. This will reduce speed and accidents.

    Felix Thursday, 17 November 2016 06:46 AM

    It is time that the media get into action and start telecasting the errant driving of all including the private bus drivers where they overtake cutting double lines etc., These fines are necessary. However it should also be combined with a mechanism where the fines can be paid off easily else the corrupt policemen will make more money.


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