Automobile Association presents road safety proposals to Transport Minister

In the picture (L – R) Devapriya Hettiarachichi, Secretary AAC, Lasitha Gunaratne, Dhammika Attygalle, President AAC, Hon. Gamini Lokuge, Minister of Transport, Ananda Dangalle, Vice President, AAC, Monte Ranatunga, Secretary Minister of Transport and Dr Gamage of Transport Board.  

Dhammika Attygalle, President, Ananda Dangalle, Vice President and Devapriya Hettiarachchi, Secretary represented the Automobile Association of Ceylon and met Transport Minister Gamini Lokuge at his office on 16th. November, 2020 and presented the following proposals to reduce road injuries and fatalities, in the presence of Monte Ranatunga, Secretary to Minister of Transport, Dr. Gamage of Transport Board, and Lasitha Gunaratne.  

Introduce rear seat belt  
At present the law pertaining to the mandatory use of front seat belt  as per Motor Traffic Act No. 157A is to be amended and added to the use of rear seat belt.  

Law pertaining to children restraining in the vehicle  
Internationally it is mandatory that children require a special seat when they travel in a vehicle.  
Therefore, a law pertaining to children restraining in the vehicle is to be incorporated in the Motor Act.  

Special lane for cyclists 
Most countries overseas have provided separate lanes for cycle riders to avoid road accidents. Therefore, it is suggested that in Sri Lanka also it is necessary to provide cycle lanes for bicycle riders, to reduce air pollution and also to reduce fuel consumption. There is a proposal already initiated by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa for cycle lanes from Independence Square to Battaramulla.