Police begin islandwide checks on unroadworthy vehicles, targeting unsafe modifications, black smoke, poor maintenance and reckless motorcycles.
Unroadworthy vehicles are now being targeted in a police operation aimed at reducing road accidents and limiting damage caused during crashes.
Deputy Inspector General of Police for Traffic Control and Road Safety W.P.J. Senadheera told BBC Sinhala that although similar vehicle fitness checks had been conducted earlier, the latest operations are being expanded to identify unsafe vehicles across the country.
The DIG said the operation began on Monday, June 29, with inspections carried out on expressways.
Reducing Accidents and Limiting Harm
“The main objective of the operation is to reduce accidents and minimize the damage to other parties in an accident. Most of those killed in these accidents are pedestrians. A major reason for the damage in accidents is the lack of flexibility in vehicles. To reduce the damage in accidents and to prevent the suffering of other drivers,” the DIG explained.
Vehicles imported with approval from the Department of Motor Traffic require permission from the same department before additional accessories can be installed.
However, Senadheera said dangerous accessories have been fitted to vehicles without such approval.
He added that police station OICs have been instructed to conduct inspections with the assistance of motor vehicle inspectors.
Driving Unsafe Vehicles Prohibited
If inspections find a vehicle to be unroadworthy, police will issue a prohibition order preventing it from being used, while legal action will also be taken.
“These operations are being carried out to inspect vehicles, issue prohibition orders against unroadworthy vehicles from operating on the roads, and produce them before court,” he said.
“Many vehicles have been modified in various ways. When accidents occur with such vehicles, the damage to the other party is greater. Some have had their bumpers raised. Modified side mirrors have been raised. Some drive at night with lights like a chandelier, which causes great inconvenience to other vehicles and distracts drivers. There are many such problematic vehicles, and instructions have been given for police to take them into custody. If taken into custody, a prohibition order will be issued based on the inspector’s report. In addition, they will be produced before court,” Senadheera emphasized.
Black Smoke and Dilapidated Vehicles Targeted
Vehicles emitting black smoke and those not properly maintained will also be checked.
Police have been instructed to issue warnings and fines against badly maintained or dilapidated vehicles.
Vehicles emitting black smoke will be inspected by motor vehicle inspectors, after which legal action and prohibition orders may follow, Senadheera told BBC Sinhala.
Dangerous Motorcycle Racing Under Watch
Senadheera also recently told a media briefing that motorcycle accidents have increased, while some young riders are causing serious public nuisance.
“Our country has a large number of motorcycles. These bikes are imported to fulfill one’s transportation needs. They are not for racing; they are for making travel easier. They should be ridden within speed limits, with safety gear, but these low-budget bikes are being used for racing and riding on one wheel—this youth wave is very dangerous,” he said.
Police have also been instructed to take into custody motorcycles fitted with unauthorized accessories or loud silencers.
Young motorcycle riders involved in such activities may also be subjected to drug testing, Senadheera stated.
