Penalty if person sitting in back of two wheeler talks; Transport Minister with explanation

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Transport Minister KB Ganesh Kumar has reacted to the action which includes a fine if the person sitting behind the two-wheeler talks in such a way that distracts the two-wheeler rider. The minister said that the action was impractical. The new directive follows reports that the two-wheeler rider and the person behind him talking while wearing a helmet can distract the rider and lead to accidents. The proposal is from Joint Transport Commissioner K Manoj Kumar. In the circular sent to all RTOs, it is said that action should be taken if such talk is noticed.

"This is a circular that comes from the mind of some officials. Not only is it difficult to implement, but it is also not practical. As a minister, I am not aware of the proposal. The enforcement officers of the Motor Vehicle Department are worried as to how to implement the Joint Transport Commissioner's order."

The High Court had directed that strict action be taken against officials who illegally use government seals and boards on vehicles. The horn in the vehicles is not intended to be used on the ears of the locals. There are vehicles fitted with up to four horns. The division bench comprising of Justice Anil K Narendran and Justice Harishankar V Menon stated that vehicles violating the law should not be allowed to ply the road.

Customs, Central Excise and Income Tax officials are illegally affixing government seals and boards on vehicles. In Ernakulam, it is central government officials and in Thiruvananthapuram, it is state government secretaries who are violating the law.

Flashlights should be used only in emergency situations, even in emergency vehicles. This creates complications even in busy places like Sabarimala. The court had also asked for a permanent solution to this.