Make it the end of the road for three-wheelers

It is time that authorities took note of the alarming increase in three wheeler vehicles on our roads. They pose a threat to the lives of other motorists, pedestrians, and the very passengers they carry. At this rate, very soon, the three wheelers will outnumber all other vehicles put together.

The main cause for the rising incidence of vehicular accidents, either direct or contributory, is the reckless and callous manner these vehicles are driven on our relatively narrow roads, unlike the broad roads of developed countries. The Government should pay attention to this problem.

The three wheeler vehicle was introduced by the J.R. Jayewardene regime around 1977, at a time when the economy was taking a downturn. The good side was, that it provided (a) a cheaper mode of transport to the ordinary people (b) a means of employment to the uneducated persons. Today, after 38 years, this vehicle has become a public menace as shown below:

It is driven recklessly with least concern for other road users. These drivers violate traffic rules and road rules and creep into every nook and corner of the roads, cutting to every side, taking sudden U turns, stopping to pick-up wayside passengers, overtaking on the opposite lane to beat the traffic lights, constantly tooting the horn and intimidating and abusing other motorists.

Three wheelers have no built-in protection and are open; the passen- gers are vulnerable to injury that is sometimes fatal. Though the law prescribes a limit to the number of passengers, it is breached, and seldom enforced.

Parking on top of lanes joining the main roads, thereby blocking both ingress to and egress from these lanes is common.

The drivers are a law unto to themselves. Other motorists are forced into accidents by their rash and reckless driving. They overtake stealthily on the same side a vehicle is turning without even warning by horning, when necessary.

Right thinking people, who experience these problems daily on our roads, I think, will agree with my observations. Politicians are not concerned. They are insulated from all of this as they travel in comfort with the roads cleared for them by the security motorcades.

We claim now to be a middleincome country. If so, three wheelers are incompatible with that status.

I propose that, imports of three wheeler vehicles be prohibited immediately. Those already on the roads can continue to ply until their natural death and final elimination from our roads. The government must allow imports of only four wheel vehicles of low engine capacity, such as Suzuki Marutis, Tata Nanos and similar vehicles for use as hiring cars for commercial purpose. This will eventually restore some order and road discipline and reduce the incidence of motor accidents. Four wheel cars cannot be driven the same way a three wheeler is driven. The car will act as a restraint against reckless driving. Once the three wheeler is eventually removed from our roads, there will be a better flow of traffic and less accidents.

It will be argued that the removal of three wheelers will deprive a source of employment and a mode of cheaper travel. This argument would have been valid 38 years ago. Now the conditions are not the same with rising incomes, diverse avenues of employment, and an expanding middle class. It would encourage more travel companies to engage in the car hire business. This means there will be regulatory order and control unlike the informal and unregulated operation of the three wheelers. The public will benefit by a comfortable mode of travel, with A.C, more room, protective cover, and confidence of safety to themselves. These benefits would outweigh the cheaper cost of travel to the people in a three wheeler.

The government must have regulatory control over all hiring vehicles business. They must be registered with the Ministry of Transport on a nominal registration fee. Drivers should carry a registration card on their shirt lapel, with their names, vehicle no. and reg. no. A dress code specifying a uniform dress should be implemented .This will instil discipline, order and uniformity of standards. P. Soma Palan

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