Police get tough with drunken drivers

by Ananda KANNANGARA

The City Traffic Police has directed police stations countrywide to carry out random operations to nab motorists who drive under the influence of liquor.

According to the Police, 12 road accidents had occurred during the past two months due to motorists driving under the influence of liquor. About 10 persons, including children were the victims of these road accidents.

Police media spokesman, SSP Ajith Rohana told the Sunday Observer that following the newly implemented random operation system, the Police could stop any vehicle on the road to ascertain whether the driver was under the influence of liquor.

Unlike in the past some motorists, especially bus and lorry drivers who drive long distance consume alcohol which is a violation of the Highway code. It is reported that many trishaw drivers also drive under the influence of liquor, he said.

Although some people say that the Police carry out operations only at night to ascertain whether motorists are under the influence of liquor these operations are carried out round the clock. Last week the mother and her young daughter died after they were knocked down by a private bus in Ja-ela Police said that the driver had been under the influence of liquor at the time of the accident.

In another accident at Minuwangoda recently, two boys were killed in a traffic accident. Police said that the underaged boys who did not hold even valid licences had been under the influence of liquor at the time of the accident.

Police said 317 drunk motorists were nabbed on September 12 following random operations. Among them were 268 trishaw drivers.