Kerala HC raps authorities over road safety failures, reckless driving by heavy vehicles

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The Kerala High Court has criticised the State authorities for failing to improve roads, footpaths, and curbing irresponsible driving by heavy vehicles.

Justice Devan Ramachandran directed the Kochi Corporation and the Kochi Commissioner of Police to report on the steps taken to address the concerns regarding roads, streetlights and footpaths. Additionally, the court directed the National Highways Authority of India to file a statement regarding the status and conditions of highway construction on the Edapally-Chavakkad stretch.

The amicus curiae informed the court that heavy vehicles, including private buses, were using the public roads “recklessly”, posing a threat to every road user.

The court noted a recent incident where a private bus employee allegedly accosted travellers in a car. The police informed the court that necessary action was taken against the employee regarding the incident.

The Assistant Commissioner of Police (Traffic) apprised the court that regular campaigns would be conducted to curtail traffic incidents in the city, especially concerning heavy vehicles. The police would subject private bus drivers and employees to police verification, and “character certificates” would be issued appropriately. The court observed that heavy vehicles had a responsibility to conduct themselves carefully and ensure that other road users are unharmed.

The court expressed dissatisfaction, noting that despite recorded assurances from the authorities concerned, road safety was not given due importance, particularly at zebra crossings, pedestrian areas, and other points of high population density.

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