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Along with increasing fines there should be more awareness
The announcement by Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake in his Budget proposal that the minimum spot fine will be increased to Rs 2,500 has drawn different reactions from the public.
Some of them believe that it would be an effective system while others are doubtful.
Following is a cross section of peoples’ views:
Y. Tiron (37) a three- wheeler driver from Battaramulla:
The number of accidents may decrease but the system will lead to more corruption.Police should be required to provide proof of violation with suitable evidence.
More awareness about road rules is a necessity among police, drivers, riders and pedestrians.
Niishaa Sangarapillai (26) a commuter:
The Minister has been misled or ill advised by officials on this matter. It has been drawn up without looking at the background or being unaware of its implications and complications.
A positive step would be to introduce technology (video camera and voice recording etc) to record violations. If the recorded violations can be proved then the fines should be increased. This would bring about a change of attitude among the public.
N.H.R Ravindra (46):
Legislating tough measures against road violations is a welcome move. This will help bring discipline on our roads. However, the police who will be implementing the spot fines should be monitored.
K. Prassana (37) a sub contractor and car owner:
What measures are being taken to ensure that the police won’t take bribes to let the perpetrator or offender off the hook? One way to do avoid this would be to see that the police do not collect the spot fines but only issue a ticket for the offence.
Cameras should be installed at all traffic signals so that only genuine traffic violators or offenders are caught and punished, and not leave room for police to apprehend the public according to their whims and fancies.
Schoolvan driver P. Jayawardene (51):
Increasing the minimum spot fine won’t completely put a stop to erratic driving. Some influential people will still manage to break the rule and get away. But it it still a welcome move as it will certainly reduce the number of accidents.
Everyone knows nothing will happen in this country. People will continue to flout all rules – no helmets, no seat belts, driving while talking on the cell phones and jumping traffic signals. There is no use blaming the police or the politicians only.
It is the people who are corrupt. Unless they change, nothing will change. The political and administrative authorities come from the public.
Chathura Pushpakumara (32) bus driver from Panadura:
Road rule indicators should be placed at appropriate places so that it would prevent riders and drivers from violating the rules.Increasing the fine, will only fill the pockets of the policemen not the government treasury. Most of the traffic violators compromise with the policemen. I think many motorists don’t violate the law deliberately. The problem is they are not aware of the restrictions in the city. It is the duty of officials to educate the public by distributing handbills and leaflets.
Mrs. P. Moganarani (35)
I’m ok with paying hefty fines.Rules are good but implementation is what matters; half the time the police use corrupt means to allow drivers to escape. This new law will only boost their earnings.
Along with heavy fines and penalties, the number of cops to control traffic should be increased by at least four times. When drivers see many cops on the road, they get a bit wary and follow the rules.
 Day by day there is a steep increase in the number of vehicles on the roads. If the roads are wider and properly maintained a motorist wont zig-zag. What measures are being introduced to ensure that police do not harass the public for bribes?