Parents to face action if minors drive; bus timings to be revised: Transport Minister

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Transport Minister CP John has said that strict action will be taken against parents if their children use vehicles. He added that the parents, rather than the children, would be held responsible. The minister's remarks come amid a rise in road accident cases involving children.

“There is no need to do anything to the children; it is enough to take action against the parents. Parents should not give their vehicle keys to their children. If they are unable to control their children, let them sell their vehicles. There is no need for them to have a vehicle at home. I do not think giving children advice will serve any purpose.

“Vehicles are registered in the names of parents. Under no circumstances should they hand them over to their children. If children use vehicles, action will be taken against their parents. Cases have been registered even against prominent individuals in incidents involving minors driving vehicles. The Home Minister himself has said that there will be no leniency when it comes to registering cases.

“The reason behind private buses engaging in competitive racing is their schedules. The government has initiated steps to revise bus timings. Private buses are still operating according to schedules that are decades old. The government has fixed the time required to cover one kilometre at two-and-a-half minutes. However, in cities such as Ernakulam and Kannur, traffic congestion prevents buses from reaching their destinations within this time. The prospect of facing action for failing to reach destinations within the stipulated time is also contributing to competitive racing,” the minister said.