26 December 2024 10:15 am Views - 1135
Colombo, December 26 (Daily Mirror) - Legal action has been taken against nearly 9,000 drivers, including 251 for driving under the influence of liquor, for traffic violations and reckless driving within a 24-hour period that ended yesterday, police said.
In response to the rising number of accidents involving passenger transport buses and other vehicles, the Sri Lanka Police launched an island-wide traffic operation starting December 23, 2024.
The initiative, led by the Acting Inspector General of Police, will continue throughout the festive season with the goal of improving road safety and reducing accidents, according to the Police Media Division.
The operation will focus heavily on inspecting public passenger transport buses.
Police spokesman SSP Buddhika Manathunga said that legal action was taken against 8,747 drivers during the operation.
Remarkably, no accidents were reported during the 24-hour period that ended yesterday, he said.
As part of the operation, police officers will assess drivers for alcohol or drug impairment. Buses will also be checked for reckless driving, speeding, traffic violations and mechanical defects, including unsafe tyres.
Stringent action will be taken against any violations to ensure public safety.
In addition to public transport, police said that other vehicles will also be inspected. Traffic officers will be deployed nationwide, working around the clock to enforce traffic laws.
150,000 breathalyzer devices have been distributed to all police stations nationwide to arrest drunk drivers.