Private bus operators a law unto themselves on bustling city roads

RASH and negligent driving practices among private bus drivers make it tough for other motorists on the road, including government transport drivers to use the road. The private bus drivers some-times block the way for transport buses to pick more passengers. They brag and reach the destination within the given time, even by flouting the traffic rules, it is alleged. Due to such practices, including violation of traffic regulations, the road space for other vehicles is completely occupied by these buses, leading to traffic jams at several places.

Other motorists are suffer the most in such situations and are irked by the private bus drivers. Rash driving, over-speeding and using deafening horns to scare off other motorists are being practiced by these drivers on the city roads, some of which are narrow and congested. T Murugesan, a motorist said, "Earlier in Penalty for rash driving A traffic official said that a fine of 21.000 will be Imposed on rash drivers. especially private bus drivers. Special vehicle checking drives will be conducted at many locations as ordered by the higher officials to ensure the safety of road users an incident, a private bus collided head on with a two-wheeler and the rider died.

" Traffic authorities should enforce strict action and punish private bus drivers in any event of rash driving, he said. Private bus drivers drive their buses based on the time they are supposed to reach the destination before other buses reach, and are unmindful of the safety of the passengers and fellow motorists. Their only concern is to make sure that all passengers at the particular stop are picked before other buses reach in order to make additional profit for the day.

 A traffic official said that a fine of Rs 1,000 will be imposed on such rash drivers, especially for pri-vate bus drivers. Special vehicle checking drives will be conduct-ed at many locations as ordered by the higher officials to ensure the safety of road users. Private buses are seen driving rashly in Thillai Nagar, Madurai Road and some other parts of the city.
source: epaper. newindianexpress. com//c/23516826