Transport and Highways Minister Bimal Rathnayake told Parliament today that new roadworthiness regulations will be introduced for passenger transport vehicles as part of efforts to improve public safety and prevent fatal road accidents.
Under the proposed regulations, all passenger transport vehicles, including public and private buses, office transport vans, school transport vehicles and vehicles hired for excursions, will be required to obtain a vehicle fitness certificate once every three months or after travelling 5,000 kilometres, whichever comes first.
The Minister said the requirement will not apply to privately owned, non-commercial vehicles, although owners will be encouraged to maintain similar safety standards.
Minister Rathnayake explained that the proposed inspection will be a basic periodic safety check, rather than the more comprehensive annual roadworthiness examination currently conducted. The checks will focus on critical components such as braking systems and vehicle lights.
The inspection fee is expected to range between Rs. 1,500 and Rs. 2,000. The Minister said the system would also create opportunities for qualified auto mechanics and registered garages to generate additional income by carrying out certified vehicle inspections.
Emphasising the urgent need for stronger safety measures, Rathnayake referred to recent fatal accidents in Kothmale, Ella and Monaragala, which he said were linked to serious negligence in vehicle maintenance.
He said official examination reports had uncovered instances where vehicles had been operated for an entire year with disconnected brakes, while some vehicles had even been fitted with makeshift brake-line repairs using ordinary garden hoses.
The Minister stressed that transport operators who charge passengers for their services have a responsibility to ensure that their vehicles are maintained in safe operating condition.
