Kochi city police organise awareness meeting for private bus operators

Kochi: City police organised a comprehensive awareness and coordination meeting for private bus operators to enhance road safety at District Training Centre on Tuesday. The meeting was called in the wake of a rise in complaints related to private bus services.The meeting was chaired by city police commissioner Kaliraj Mahesh Kumar S. Approximately 150 people, including representatives of private bus owners' associations, drivers and union officials, attended the meeting. Police said in a statement that the meeting thoroughly evaluated recent accidents involving buses in the state. The commissioner pointed out that many private buses in Kochi have numerous pending challan cases and since owners often pay these fines, drivers do not develop a sense of punishment or responsibility. He emphasised the need to reduce road accidents and strictly adhere to traffic rules. Suggestions were also given to ensure the safety of motorists and pedestrians, avoid footpath parking and ensure safe movement of heavy vehicles. Strict instructions were issued in the meeting that private bus drivers are required to have a police clearance certificate and must wear uniforms. It was also suggested to ensure the timely maintenance of vehicles. Bus owners were told to record and maintain details of drivers operating their vehicles daily to facilitate quick identification if needed. The commissioner warned against competitive speeding or reckless driving and unnecessary honking. Drivers were urged to show more patience and responsibility, especially concerning the safety of senior citizens and pedestrians and to stop at zebra crossings to allow pedestrians to cross. All buses should have CCTV cameras and their functionality must be ensured. He also directed that drivers should be personally accountable for challans due to traffic violations and they should maintain courteous behaviour with the public.