Sri Lanka Private Bus Owners' Association Protests Against CCTV-Based Traffic Violation Fines

The President of the Sri Lanka Private Bus Owners' Association, Kemunu Wijeratne, has expressed his opposition to the system of issuing fine papers to drivers who commit traffic violations through CCTV cameras. Wijeratne argues that if buses are to be included in this project, the Bus Priority Route Act should be implemented. Additionally, he highlights the challenges faced by bus operators due to the presence of other vehicles, particularly three-wheelers, on the designated bus routes. Meanwhile, the Inspector General of Police, Deshabandhu Thennagon, has announced a program to identify traffic violators through CCTV cameras and issue fines to their homes via local police stations.

Protest Against CCTV-Based Traffic Violation Fines

Kemunu Wijeratne, the President of the Sri Lanka Private Bus Owners' Association, has voiced his concerns regarding the system of issuing traffic violation fines through CCTV cameras. He plans to organize a protest against this method, arguing that if buses are to be included in the project, the Bus Priority Route Act should be enforced. It is clear that Wijeratne believes that the current system does not adequately address the specific challenges faced by private bus operators.

Challenges on Bus Routes

One of the primary issues highlighted by Wijeratne is the presence of other vehicles, particularly three-wheelers, on the designated bus routes. This situation has created difficulties for private bus operators and has impeded the smooth flow of traffic. Wijeratne suggests that addressing this problem should be a priority in order to ensure an efficient and reliable public transportation system.

CCTV-Based Traffic Violation Fines

Inspector General of Police Deshabandhu Thennagon has announced a program to identify drivers who commit traffic violations through CCTV cameras installed at 33 locations in Colombo. The objective of this initiative is to issue fine papers directly to the homes of the violators through their respective local police stations. Thennagon emphasizes that fines will only be imposed after confirming that a traffic violation has occurred. Furthermore, he clarifies that if someone other than the vehicle owner is driving and violates traffic laws, the fine will be imposed on the driver rather than the owner.

Underutilization of CCTV Camera Systems

Acting Inspector General of Police Deshbandhu Thennakone has acknowledged that the current CCTV camera systems installed in Colombo are not being utilized effectively. This admission suggests that there may be issues with the operation and management of the camera network. It is crucial to address these concerns and ensure that the CCTV infrastructure is utilized optimally to enhance traffic management and enforce traffic regulations effectively.

Conclusion

The Sri Lanka Private Bus Owners' Association, represented by President Kemunu Wijeratne, is planning to protest against the system of issuing traffic violation fines through CCTV cameras. Wijeratne highlights the need to implement the Bus Priority Route Act and address the challenges faced by private bus operators. Meanwhile, the Inspector General of Police has initiated a program to identify traffic violators through CCTV cameras, with the aim of sending fine papers directly to their homes. The concerns raised regarding the underutilization of the CCTV camera systems emphasize the need for efficient management and operation of the infrastructure to ensure effective traffic regulation enforcement.