Sunday Times (Sri Lanka)

Three-wheeler drivers a law unto themselves

- Story and pix by Sameera Weeraseker­a.

Three-wheelers or auto rickshaws as they are called continue to be a useful vehicle for getting around in traffic. Unfortunat­ely, the sheer numbers of these vehicles on the roads today often make them a nuisance.

Due to the small size of the vehicle, three-wheeler drivers are beginning to believe they have a right to park their vehicles wherever they want to with some drivers opting to park their vehicles on the main road itself or on the pavements, completely ignoring all traffic rules.

This haphazard parking of three-wheelers interrupts the smooth flow of traffic on the one hand causes traffic snarl-ups and makes it danger- ous for pedestrian­s who are forced to step into traffic as these vehicles have invaded the pavements.

Many three-wheeler drivers care tuppence for designated parking slots and simply park their vehicles wherever they please.

Even when a parking spot is available, many drivers don’t make an effort to park properly.

There are yet others who like this driver who was captured by our photograph­ers holding an animated telephone conversati­on, while parked at a bus stop.

Taking action against such drivers alone will not change the attitude of these drivers. They need to be made to understand the value of road discipline and not be a nuisance to the public.

 ??  ?? A public nuisance: This three-wheeler driver makes use of the bus stop to make a phone call
A public nuisance: This three-wheeler driver makes use of the bus stop to make a phone call
 ??  ?? Blatantly violating road rules this man parks his vehicle in the middle of the road!
Blatantly violating road rules this man parks his vehicle in the middle of the road!
 ??  ?? Pedestrian­s risk life and limb walking into oncoming traffic due to careless parking
Pedestrian­s risk life and limb walking into oncoming traffic due to careless parking
 ??  ??

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