රියදුරු වරදට ලකුණු කපන ක්‍රමය ලබන මාර්තු මාසයේ සිට - RMV කොමසාරිස් පහදයි

Several critical changes related to road safety and traffic regulation in Sri Lanka are set to be implemented from next year. Commissioner General of Motor Traffic, retired Air Vice Marshal Thushara Fernando, states that a new program, which will subject driver discipline as well as the suitability of vehicles joining the road to strict scrutiny, will be fully enforced from April 1st.

The demerit point system for traffic offenses, which has already garnered much attention, is a key step in this initiative. A special six-month awareness program, launched on October 1st last year, is currently underway. During this period, which runs until March 31st next year, police officers will educate drivers on how points will be deducted in addition to the existing fines and penalties. The Commissioner General points out that this six-month period has been given to the public to gain a proper understanding of the new system before it comes into effect.

The Department of Motor Traffic is planning to introduce a new methodology to ensure the safety of vehicles entering the road, not limited to driver discipline. Under this, a vehicle fitness test is to be introduced, and Mr. Thushara Fernando emphasizes that merely obtaining an emission certificate is by no means sufficient, and it is essential to check whether a vehicle is in a suitable condition for road use.

Under this proposed system, vehicle owners will no longer need to appear before an inspector of the Department of Motor Traffic for inspection. Instead, they will have the facility to submit their vehicle to department-approved private garages to obtain the fitness certificate. Applications have already been called from private garage owners who wish to join this program.

However, the criteria for deciding whether the relevant fitness test will be conducted based on the mileage driven by the vehicle or based on a specific time period are still at the discussion stage. The final decision on these proposals, which have been referred to the legal division of the Ministry as well as to the Police for their input, is expected to be announced to the public before April 1st next year.

The main objective of this entire program is to minimize fatal traffic accidents, ensure the safety of vehicles operating on public roads, and prevent loss of life. While the introduction of new measures such as vehicle fitness testing may initially feel like an additional burden to some drivers, the Commissioner General of Motor Traffic further states that the true benefits will become clear to the public once road safety is established.