12 bus drivers penalised for hazardous accessories

• Inspections began on January 2 under the “Clean Sri Lanka Programme”

By Ranjith Rajapakse  

Hatton Police have initiated legal action against 12 bus drivers for operating vehicles fitted with unauthorised accessories that posed risks to passengers and the public. The drivers were presented before the Hatton Magistrate’s Court and were instructed to remove the hazardous modifications.  

The inspection of buses commenced on January 2, as part of the “Clean Sri Lanka Programme.” Police targeted buses originating from Hatton and those arriving from distant locations, aiming to ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards.  

Among the prohibited accessories flagged were horns producing excessively loud noises and additional lights deemed unsafe. The court ordered the removal of these items and retained the buses’ revenue licences until the drivers complied. The buses must be presented for re-inspection within seven days to confirm adherence to the court directive.  

In a related effort, several other bus drivers faced legal action for operating without valid route permits, further emphasising the authorities’ commitment to enforcing transportation regulations.