Seat belt rule for bus drivers enforced from today: NTC

Colombo, July 1 (Daily Mirror) - The National Transport Commission (NTC) announced that it will be mandatory for bus drivers to wear seat belts starting from today (July 1), NTC Director General Nayomi Jayawardana said.

Speaking to the Daily Mirror, Jayawardana said that although a gazette notification was issued in 2001 making seat belts compulsory for bus drivers under the provisions of the Motor Traffic Act, it had not been properly enforced over the years.

“A notable increase in road accidents involving buses has been reported due to drivers failing to adhere to this regulation in the past. In view of this, the mandatory seat belt law for bus drivers will be re-implemented from today, and action will be taken against those who violate it,” she said.

Meanwhile, police confirmed that from today, operations to remove unsafe accessories and modifications from vehicles including buses and three-wheelers will also resume.

A recent inspection by the Department of Motor Traffic revealed that 8,788 vehicles were identified as unfit for the road last year, while the installation of unauthorised additional parts on vehicles was highlighted as a key factor contributing to traffic accidents.

While additional decorative parts have occasionally been allowed on buses and three-wheelers with approval through circulars, officials stressed that such modifications must strictly comply with established safety criteria.

Both the Bus Owners’ Associations and Three-Wheeler Associations have expressed their support for the removal of unsafe modifications as part of renewed efforts to improve road safety.