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The law has become a dead letter
View(s):Story and pix by Susantha Liyanawatte
Recently police introduced a new law, making it compulsory that three-wheelers carry a maximum of no more than three passengers
Despite being punishable by law, overloaded three-wheelers are a common sight in Colombo and its suburbs.
Police spokesman SSP Preshantha Jayakody has pointed out that there have been 176 fatal accidents this year involving three-wheelers. Another 467 serious accidents involving three-wheelers also occurred during the same period.
A passenger, Sujith Kumara said most middle-income families find three-wheelers an affordable and convenient mode of transport.
Therefore despite the law even big families tend to do most of travel and shopping using this mode of transport.
Sampath Ranatunga a three-wheel driver, said there were many instances despite the driver’s protests, people forced them to carry huge loads in addition to carrying more than three passengers.
![]() Rising costs force large families to travel in a single 3-wheeler despite dangers to life and limb. This vehicle was carrying six passengers -father, mother and four children! |
![]() No thought for safety… passengers with their legs sticking out of a three-wheeler |
![]() A dangerously over-loaded three-wheeler weaves its way between vehicles in the city centre |
![]() Driving blind: There is no way the driver can use his rear-view mirror |
![]() Endangering pedestrians and other road users, this three-wheeler speeds through traffic with a ladder dangerously balanced |
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