Mixed reactions
The Daily Mirror spoke to several tuk tuk and bus drivers and here are a few thoughts they shared.
GOOD WAY TO DISCIPLINE THE ROADS
According to B.N.S Karunachandra ,administrative Officer (Transport) at Gunasinghapura Bus Stand implementing the lane law is quite a successful move. “it’s a good way to have discipline on the roads. However there could be inconveniences to drivers who thrive on a daily income. Now the buses have to travel in one lane and take passengers from one lane. They have to wait in the traffic while travelling on the same lane. There may be certain issues since this is a trial and error period, but this system should continue.” said Karunachandra.
HAVE TO FOLLOW THE LAW
Wasantha Kumara has been a bus driver for over 30 years running an Avissawella-pettah bus. “We have to follow the law even if we are experiencing an inconvenience.” he said.
AN UNEQUAL LAW
However, for Chathura Anushanga who drives along the Aluthgama-colombo route it’s quite an inconvenience. “three-wheelers stop at bus halts and wait for passengers. Then there are cars that also go in the bus priority lane. So we can’t reach the destination at the expected time. If we cross a lane we are fined.the law should be equal to all. ”he said.
UNFAIR FOR THOSE WHO SURVIVE ON A DAILY INCOME
Thilakasiri has been a three-wheeler driver for over 30 years.“i take hires in and around Pettah.the lane law is inconveniencing those who survive on a daily income from hires. Now we have to be careful so as to not violate the law. Because if we are fined we will lose all money we earn for a day.” he complained.
The Daily Mirror also sought opinions from commuters via our social media handles. Here’s what they had to say :
NO NEED OF TRIAL AND ERROR
“They can use technology. Traffic simulations and analytics are commonly used around the world. We can implement good models and identify the best ways to reduce the inconveniences. We do not have to use trial and error methods.”- Dharshatha Gamage
UNFAIR AND UNJUST
“I think Sri Lankan drivers need this lane law. But right now the way in which it is executed in Colombo (where busses, bikes and three-wheelers are in one lane) is very unfair. So I hope they would do experiments on this and find a fare solution. Until that happens, yes we, the public, would have to face a few inconveniences for long term gain.”charith Dissanayake
EVERYONE IS EQUAL
“Abroad, say in the UK where I live, the dedicated bus lane is the fastest mode of travel to work. People don’t discriminate by saying only the poor travel by public transport. Everyone is equal. This mindset has to change. Progress is necessary for this country to move forward. This period is the trial, once you get into the swing of things, you will be flying!” said Toni Bartlett
NOT EFFECTIVE IN SRI LANKA
“It’s really not practical if you ask me. It may be effective in other countries, but not in Sri Lanka. I witnessed that all the bikes were restricted to one lane with no space for movement, whereas right next to them there were two full lanes free of traffic.this law should be revoked.”- Shamlan Malik
INTRODUCE HEAVY FINES NEXT
“We need discipline on roads and that starts first with people learning to stick to the lane. At present, even on highways, many drivers don’t follow lane rules; which at 100 kmph is very dangerous. Yes it may be inconvenient to motorcycles and three-wheelers right now, but they were the biggest culprits of breaking lane rules in the past that led to many accidents. I believe once the systems are perfected it will be far better than the mess we had earlier. Next the Government must introduce heavy fines for high speed and drunken driving, overtaking on white lines and overtaking from the left. If all these are implemented we would have safer roads.” said Dumindra Ratnayake.
PURE DISCRIMINATION
“I think it’s pure discrimination. Everyone who is in a lower income bracket, ie in buses, bikes and three-wheelers, is moved into a SINGLE lane so that the person cannot overtake, while everyone in the middle and upper income brackets can get about easily. It’s disgusting.” said Yasodhara Arawwawela
A POSSIBLE JOURNEY TO MARS!
“Lane markings are also to blame. Checkout the markings at Rajagiriya towards Buthgamuwa. If a driver follows them he would end up in Mars! Then again where there are slight climbs they add a white line indicating that all those in the traffic must move behind slow heavy vehicles. In front of Honda Hitha on Pagoda Road and Kadugannawa are good examples.they must have the markings for motorist on the climb to overtake. Much of Kurunegala Kandy road has been marked this way.” said Senaka Bandaranayake
AWARENESS A MUST
“People need to be made aware of road discipline via Television Ads, newspaper graphics etc. Everyone has a licence, but not everyone is aware of the road rules because of past practices. Most buses or three wheelers (90%) don’t use the side mirrors before taking turns, or even put the signal for that matter. Request your space in lanes and give space to others when requested. This has to be conveyed to everyone! The current method of restricting and controlling can be done for a lesser period only! Look for long-term solutions and educate people accordingly.” said Naren Kumaraswamy
INTRODUCE A DEMERIT POINT MECHANISM
“With time, and proper implementation it will be a definite success. But there should be strict fines for violations. Maybe introduce a demerit point mechanism.” said Bran Jegan.
AN ABSOLUTE NECESSITY
“This is an absolute necessity for Colombo.they should also implement fines for offenders. In cities like Dubai lane discipline is taken so seriously that there is a separate test before obtaining the licence and 200 AED fine for offenders.” said Arsath Sally.