In the wake of Kottarakara accident where a speeding tipper lorry rammed into a bus stop and killed three persons, District Collector Annie Jula Thomas has said that regulations and inspections for heavy vehicles will be made significantly more stringent across the district.

Chairing a special review meeting convened to address rising road safety concerns on Thursday, Ms. Thomas declared a strict ban on heavy vehicles, including lorries and tippers, from operating on public roads during peak hours, specifically from 7.30 a.m. to 9.30 a.m. and from 3.30 p.m. to 4.30 p.m.

To curb reckless driving and overload hazards, transport and enforcement officials have been directed to strictly monitor weight limits and maintain continuous vigilance on the roads. Immediate safety interventions will be implemented at the recent accident site in Kottarakara, where new signboards, danger warning indicators, and rumble strips (hazard warning strips) are set to be installed. Furthermore, the police and the Regional Transport Office (RTO) have been tasked with identifying and mapping other high-risk accident zones and busy school zones across the district to install similar warning strips and safety features.

Passenger safety

The district administration is also turning its attention to streamlining public transit and ensuring commercial vehicle compliance. The Collector pointed out that buses must strictly stick to predetermined stops, adding that steps will be taken to realign bus stops in congested or poorly placed areas to improve passenger safety.

In tandem, regular inspections will be conducted to ensure that all heavy vehicles are fitted with functional speed governors and GPS tracking units. The district administration also intends to restrict the issuance of operational passes for lorries and tippers.

The high-level meeting was attended by Additional District Magistrate S. Sajeed, District Police Chief (Kollam Rural) Shaji Sugunan, and senior officials from various departments.