Letters
View(s):Bringing about good practices on our roads; fines not the only way
Much is being discussed about road safety, traffic congestion, road traffic accidents, casualties and fatalities by various parties including the government, opposition, general public, media and police. The topic became hotly debated among current issues when budget proposals for 2017 were presented in Parliament which proposed high cash penalties for some selected traffic offences. But can a country or society expect a good control of offences by only imposing heavy punishments?
Since Sri Lanka is a developing country, it may be unfair to compare it with a developed country. In UK honking while driving behind another vehicle is considered unacceptable. That kind of discipline arises from the society itself, though such written laws are not in existence. In our society, ill disciplined attitudes and practices are uppermost when it comes to traffic or any kind of offence.
However, now a certain level of resistance has come to the table against imposing large fines. It will be better for the government to take steps to revise them with the consultation of parties concerned.
In place of cash fines, there are other ways of punishments which can be implemented. Eg: suspending a driving licence for a certain period, according to the gravity of offence. Proposals of this nature were made a few years back, but for some reasons they were not followed up.
There are many driving schools owned by the private sector. The qualifications of trainers in these institutions are not assessed by any responsible authority. The CTB also conducts some training schools in various bus depots islandwide but none of these units conduct training sessions during nights with head lamps on. It is the beginner after passing the test and obtaining the licence who will have to learn on his/her own at night to drive with head lights on. Drivers should have more discipline when driving at night. The Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) should take steps to regularize and monitor all training schools and trainers to maintain a standard island-wide, with the focus on producing well disciplined good drivers in the country.
The road structure in our country is yet to be developed. Road expansion and renovations should take further steps. Cyclists and pedestrians should be allocated separate lanes on roads in urban areas. Traffic light systems with countdown facility should be installed in big towns. Overhead pedestrian crossings were tried some time back, but the disabled were not taken into account.
The Government should take steps to expand train services in the country, with more emphasis on transport of petroleum and goods on a large scale to reduce the burden of heavy vehicles such as lorries and containers on the roads. It is better if rules are made to permit heavy vehicles to run during night hours to reduce traffic congestion. Commuters should be encouraged to use train services as much as possible by providing a good train service running on time without delays.
In agricultural areas we notice the hand tractors run on roads in an unsafe manner. Some four wheel tractors operate with additionally mounted metal wheels and plough. These are more vulnerable to accidents. Furthermore, necessary steps should be taken to remove stray dogs and cattle from the roads by local authorities. A mechanism should be introduced to fine people who are responsible for allowing such animals on roads.
Those who throw garbage on the roads should also be fined.
It is the responsibility of every citizen to maintain good practices in using roads, obey the rule of law with a view to reducing road accidents, minimising road casualties and becoming a healthy nation – a role model to others.
Dr.J.Ranathunga
Kurunegala
Rules must be rules even for politicos speeding along with escorts
It is a common sight to see our politicians travelling at high speeds most often with escort vehicles. Why this mighty hurry? Most of the time they flout all road rules and on occasion have even killed innocent pedestrians.
Why this mighty hurry? Just to lay a foundation stone or attend a party with booze! Why are the traffic rules only for us?What is so special about our servants?
A good number of them did not even own a push cycle before entering the political field and now want to fly at high speed and refuse to move without escort vehicles.
The road rules must apply to all immaterial of who they are.The example has to be set from the top. The police should not fear to prosecute all these rascals. Well if these politicians are in such a mighty hurry they should use a helicopter. After all now that billions are paid out of our public funds a few more gallons of aviation fuel is not going to matter.
Over to you Mr President and the IGP.
Brig .Neville Fernando
Colombo 6
The govt. doing things their way, as we head for financial disaster
The government does not appear to be heeding what well informed, educated people recommend for the welfare of the state. They are either reluctant to accept this advice or do not care at all. They continue to do things their way
Except a handful, the rest of the 225 members, gained entry into Parliament mostly through intimidation and giving false promises to the voters. They are supposed to serve the voters, but they serve themselves. Approximately 64 percent of MPs do not have a higher education to call themselves lawmakers or legislators. They are not usual government servants. They are only members of diverse political parties who fight each other to grab power and display their vainglory. They are selected to serve the country for five years and get paid a monthly retainer together with myriad of other incentives and benefits.
The President, Prime Minister and Finance Minister the three most responsible people in the government must consider how long they hope to continue to keep these self- serving politicians happy. Money does not fall from the sky to be spent freely. To find money to please these politicos the humble tax payer is further burdened , or the country goes with begging bowl to international ‘Shylocks’. The country is heading for a severe financial crisis and signs of it are already visible. But nobody seems to care.
Wilson
Ambalangoda
| Letters to the Editor‘Letters to the Editor’ should be brief and to the point. Send them to: ‘Letters to the Editor or editor@sundaytimes.wnl.lk. Please note that letters cannot be acknowledged or returned |