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Regulations to checkmate threewheelers
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Mannar: A three wheeler knocks down a motorcycle and then knocks down a child in the premises of her own home. The little girl was rushed to hospital. Pic by Romesh Mdushanka
New, tough regulations governing threewheelers carrying passengers will come into effect from April, said Transport Ministry Secretary Nihal Somaweera.
The new laws, cited as the Motor Traffic (Motor Tricycle) Regulations, make it mandatory for threewheelers plying passengers for hire, to have meters, while receipts too will have to be issued to passengers.
Mr Somaweera told the Sunday Times that an immediate implementation of the regulations was deferred to give threewheeler operators a grace period to prepare themselves before enforcing the new rules by April 1.
He explained that, a grace period has been given to convert their vehicles into a passenger-friendly vehicle, covering all aspects of the Regulations.
He also explained that, in future, they have plans to introduce a regulation making the use of seat belts mandatory for passengers and drivers.
Some of the rules imposed would be, making it mandatory for drivers to display the information of the driver and vehicle at the back of the driving seat, owners/drivers are not allowed to engage advertising people distributing bills, while in operation.
No passenger on the driver’s seat. The meter should indicate the time spent by the passenger during the hire, and speed of the vehicle.
Meanwhile, the Transport Ministry said the gazette rules will only be strictly enforced after April 1.
Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police (Traffic) Palitha Fernando said they are educating the public about the changes to the threewheelers, as well as well as safety measures.
He said that traffic police officers are instructed to advise threewheeler drivers that use of taxi meters is mandatory. Therefore, install it before the regulations are strictly enforced.
DIG Fernando said that, they will even direct threewheeler drivers who use unsuitable lights, sound systems and horns, to remove them.