Opposition Member of Parliament Ketan Lal is urging the government to take immediate action against what he describes as the “reckless speeding” of truck and bus drivers, as well as other heavy vehicles. His call for action follows a series of recent accidents, including one involving a Goundar Shipping Ltd bus in Lautoka.
Lal emphasized the urgency of addressing the widespread issue of speeding on the roads, particularly by public service vehicles (PSVs) and trucks that frequently exceed the national speed limits. He insists that the time for mere awareness campaigns is over and that more concrete measures need to be implemented to ensure the safety of all road users.
To this end, Lal is advocating for the mandatory installation of speed limiters or Speed Lock Systems on all public service vehicles and trucks. He proposes that these devices cap vehicles’ speed at 80 km/h, which aligns with national regulations. Lal acknowledges that some transport vehicles have a maximum allowed speed of 60 km/h but argues for a uniform limit of 80 km/h as a way to maintain flexibility while significantly reducing the risk of speed-related accidents.
Highlighting the preventable nature of these accidents, Lal made a passionate plea to the Land Transport Authority and other stakeholders to prioritize road safety and take the necessary actions to protect lives. He concluded by stating, “We must not wait for another tragic accident to spur us into action. The time for awareness is over; it is now time for action.”
This statement serves as a critical reminder of the responsibility that drivers and authorities hold in maintaining road safety. By proactively implementing speed control measures, it is hoped that our roads can become safer for everyone.
In summary, Ketan Lal’s call to action emphasizes a shift from awareness to implementation concerning road safety measures, proposing specific regulatory changes to address reckless driving in heavy vehicles and enhance overall public safety.
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