• Need for enforcing vehicle construction-related regulations, standards of garages

The need to regulate the procedure for issuing fitness certificates for public transport buses along with the necessity of enforcing vehicle construction-related regulations, has been emphasised in the Parliament.

This was when discussions were held regarding proposals to strengthen the existing legal framework to ensure the safety of public transport, including the safety of bus passengers at the Parliamentary Sub-Committee on ‘Strengthening the legal framework related to the transport sector and steering the transport sector in a positive direction’ which met on 9 April Chaired by Parliamentarian Lakmali Hemachandra.

Officials stated that under Section 29 of the Motor Traffic Act, these fitness certificates are issued for buses, lorries, and ambulances by garages registered under the Provincial Councils, without regulation from the Department of Motor Traffic. Due to issues concerning the standards and reliability of these garages, Hemachandra stressed the need to establish a formal procedure for this purpose. The necessity of enforcing ‘construction-related regulations’ under Section 19 of the Motor Traffic Act was also discussed. 

Discussions were held regarding aspects such as the required spacing between seats, the removal of unnecessary equipment, and the installation of seat belts in both newly-imported and existing buses. Furthermore, attention was drawn to the necessary steps to enhance the professionalism of public transport drivers. 

Attention was also drawn to strengthening the necessary legal provisions for enforcing the law against the use of drugs by bus drivers. Officials mentioned that regulations relevant to this matter under the Motor Traffic Act are currently in the final stage of preparation. The need to promptly implement these regulations and to properly establish the technological mechanisms required to detect drug substances in the bodies of drivers were highlighted.