Why the enforcement of lane law is bound to fail

The proposal to hurriedly introduce strict law enforcement in lane discipline when the existing system is so faulty, will only end up as yet another unexpected source of revenue to the government while indiscipline on our roads will remain the same. It will only make a poor group poorer as a result of having to pay heavy fines for no reason.

In Singapore for example, not taking into account the many other developed countries, fines are imposed on drivers who have been trained in the practice of lane discipline before they are allowed to use main roads. The Highway Code itself explains all about lane discipline which is not our case. Main roads are never used for training in these countries as in Sri Lanka.

At the time I received training in Singapore in 1988 there

was a Training Centre called SSDC (Singapore Safe Driving Centre) run by the Honda Company of Japan and the private sector of Singapore, situated on a 40 AC block of land where all road signs and markings etc. were shown. It involved both theory and practical training. It is only after the successful completion of that training is a driver is allowed to use the main roads.

On my return, arrangements were made to hold an exhibition using a physical model that explained all about lane discipline. Two such exhibitions were held at the OPA in 2000 as well as 2003. How these efforts were sabotaged is now history. How many innocent lives of men, women and children even unborn have been lost since then only statics will show.

Basically most of our roads are not designed to accommodate the rules of lane discipline for which the minimum number of lanes should be three per carriageway (six lanes in all). If not, criss-crossing from one lane to another is inevitable.

Most of our roads signs have blatant errors. For example the overhead sign at the entry to Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte says “Welcome to the Capital City of Kotte……….” This is seen when entering as well as when leaving the capital city. Yet another road sign at Asiri Junction where a left turn lane is provided, says “No left turn”.

Finally it must be said that the implementation of lane discipline is a subject that should come under a group called “Traffic Engineers” and the enforcement of the law only under the Police. This group of engineers is totally conspicuous by their absence.

So Sri Lanka has a long way to go before thinking of enforcing lane laws related to lane discipline without harassing the ignorant and untrained drivers with unbearable fines.