MVD cracks down on violations by private buses in Kochi

Action was taken against 15 private bus drivers, including suspension of licences of three drivers for six months and another for three months, in Ernakulam district as part of a special drive by the Motor Vehicles department on Tuesday. The squad members were drawn from Idukki, Kottayam and Ernakulam districts.

A recommendation was also made to the Regional Transport Authority to take action against 40 private buses for unauthorised suspension of trips. The drive detected violations of various norms by 984 buses. It was conducted on the directive of the Kerala High Court, Transport Minister, and the Transport Commissioner following widespread complaints of offences such as operating services with doors open, dangerous overtaking, failure to comply with schedules, not stopping at designated bus stops, using mobile phones while driving, and driving under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicants.

The licence of a driver found under the influence of alcohol was suspended for six months, while the driver of a bus from which a student was thrown out in Vaduthala faced a similar suspension. Another driver, operating on the Muvattupuzha–Vannappuram route, had his licence suspended for six months after reportedly failing to stop the bus and behaving callously even after a woman passenger fell and sustained injuries. The licence of another driver was suspended for three months for stopping the bus in the middle of the road, obstructing traffic.

Stopping buses away from designated bus stops and in the middle of the road has been identified as a major cause of traffic congestion. The Enforcement Regional Transport Officer has warned that drivers found guilty of such offences will face strict action. Steps are also being taken, on the High Court directive, against drivers who fail to allow pedestrians to use crossings without stopping vehicles and driving carelessly.

Around 400 autorickshaws operating in the district on permits issued in other districts were also booked during the drive.