The implementation of the seat belt law has been delayed by around two months to give time to users of older vehicles which do not have the facility to get them fitted, Transport Minister Dullas Alahapperuma told the Sunday Times.
He said the Government has made all arrangements to implement the law, in keeping with safety standards, but there has been some discussion on how to implement the law without causing inconvenience to owners of older vehicles which do not have seat belts.
He said a gazette notification specifying the implementation of the law would be issued within the next two months and thereafter the police will be able to go ahead to enforce the law.
Mr. Alahapperuma said that except in some small countries seat belt laws are being implemented worldwide and therefore Sri Lanka too is working towards implementing the law which would provide improved safety to the driver and the passengers.
“We are requesting that those vehicles which do not have seat belts be fitted with them before the law is implemented,” he said.
He said that police could use the next two months to educate the public on the wearing of the seat belts.
Under the law fines between Rs. 1,000 and Rs. 2,000 could be imposed for the first offence, Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 3,000 for the second offence and between Rs. 3,000 and Rs. 4,000 for the third offence. |
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