To reduce traffic congestion in Colombo, the Government has decided that vehicles entering the city should carry at least four passengers or pay up a special fine. The proposal was included in Friday’s budget and is due to be implemented before September next year. However, the proposal does not say whether it would apply to three-wheelers. [...]

News

Drastic steps to ease traffic snarls in Colombo

View(s):

To reduce traffic congestion in Colombo, the Government has decided that vehicles entering the city should carry at least four passengers or pay up a special fine. The proposal was included in Friday’s budget and is due to be implemented before September next year. However, the proposal does not say whether it would apply to three-wheelers.

Simultaneously the Government will promote the concept of ‘Park and Ride’ where facilities at railway stations and bus terminals will be improved, enabling commuters to park their vehicles and take public transport to come to the city.

The Government has proposed that Rs 1,000 million be allocated to improve railway and bus services from towns such as Ja-ela, Avissawella, Panadura, Kadawatha and Piliyandala. As part of the proposal the Kelani Valley railway line is to be modernised at a cost of Rs 1,500 million.

The Sunday Times learns the new moves come following studies that showed that the average speed of vehicles within the Colombo City limits has been gradually slowing down. It now stands at 12 kmph.