Police will strictly enforce regulations governing bus priority lanes in Colombo and surrounding areas from Tuesday (29), as authorities intensify efforts to ease peak-hour traffic congestion.
Chairman of Metro Bus S.M.U.P. Thilakaratne said the programme covers seven bus priority lanes in the Western Province and is aimed at reducing congestion while ensuring passengers can reach their destinations safely and on time.
He said 104 luxury buses operated by Metro Bus are also scheduled to be added to the service from September 29 to provide greater convenience for passengers travelling to Colombo.
ASP Manoj Ranagala of the Police Traffic Control and Road Safety Division said the bus priority lanes operate from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
During these hours, other vehicles will not be permitted to use or park in the designated lanes.
Ranagala said vehicles may enter the lanes only when necessary to avoid an emergency or accident, navigate severe traffic congestion, or make a required turn.
He added that the priority lanes are available not only to Metro buses but also to other passenger transport buses.
Police will conduct strict checks and take legal action against motorists who violate the regulations, Ranagala said.
