Police come down hard on footboard travel
by Ananda Kannangara
The police have warned SLTB and private bus operators to keep a
vigilant eye on footboard travelling.
Police media spokesman Prishantha Jayakody told the Sunday Observer
that it was the duty of drivers and conductors to stop passengers
travelling on the footboard, especially during peak hours in the
mornings and evenings.
According to hospital sources, nearly 20 persons, especially
schoolchildren who travel on footboards of buses and trains fall prey to
accidents.
A schoolboy from Panadura fell off a Galle bound bus from Colombo
last week and received treatment at the Panadura Base Hospital.
When contacted, the principal of the school, Sarath Cooray said this
situation cannot be checked unless the police take legal action against
errant bus drivers for allowing passengers to ride on the footboard.
Police are on duty on highways and they could easily take action
against conductors who pack buses to capacity.
Jayakody called upon bus conductors to pay special attention to check
footboard travel especially among schoolchildren, as most of them travel
by bus.
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