The State government in an action taken report that was filed before the Kerala High Court recently outlined the steps that enforcement agencies have taken to prevent reckless driving by buses, especially following an accident in which a woman two-wheeler rider was killed at Menaka on March 14, reportedly due to reckless driving by a pair of private buses owned by the same person.
While appreciating the steps that were being taken, the court said that these were still not enough. The effort had to be consistent, persistent, and continuous, and not merely reactive after accidents occurred. The fear of the law had to be instilled in drivers and operators of vehicles. They could not be allowed to harbour the impression that they could get away with reckless and dangerous driving, it added.
‘Avoid blaring horns’
The action taken report speaks of private bus operators being instructed to consistently maintain the left lane without fail. Besides, police officers have been directed to ensure that private buses do not exceed the 35 km/h speed limit. The buses must also avoid blaring their horns and keep all their doors closed throughout their trips.
“Steps have also been taken to cancel the driving licences of bus drivers involved in major rule violations. Measures have been implemented to prevent buses from stopping away from designated stops. Moreover, the Intelligent Traffic Management System has been strengthened to enable remote traffic monitoring from the control room,” the report said.
The court said that concrete action was required, even though the measures were in the right direction. Road users must also act responsibly, as the density of vehicles is increasing. It further directed the District Police Chief (Kochi City) and the Transport Commissioner to work in tandem and to regularly file action taken reports.
The court also took stock of problematic footpaths in the city, mainly at the north end of M.G. Road, and the safety hazards due to dysfunctional streetlights. It particularly referred to the amici curiae bringing to its notice a recent newspaper report on the lack of streetlights in the Edappally-Palarivattom corridor. In response, the counsel for the Kochi Corporation said that the Corporation secretary would take immediate steps to restore lights on all roads and side roads and report to the court within the next day of posting.
The court also left it to the liberty of the amici curiae to file a report on any road that needed immediate remedial action. The amici curiae brought to the court’s notice that the Thammanam-Pullepady Road was not in the best shape and needed to be restored immediately. The Corporation offered to report to the court on this as well.
Published – April 02, 2025 12:59 am IST
