THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With seat belts being made mandatory for drivers and front cabin passengers in all heavy vehicles including transport buses and lorries in the state, companies will pocket at least Rs 107.5 crore. This is when an average of 1000 rupees is calculated for two seat belts. If the government insists on seat belts with ARI certification, this will be a business worth 215 crores, as such a belt costs between 1000 and 1500 rupees.
The amount will go higher if seat belts are made compulsory for goods vehicles registered in other states as well. In the first review meeting held after AI cameras were installed and fines were levied, it was decided to make seat belts mandatory for heavy vehicles as well. They will be fined from September 1st. Buses and other vehicles, including goods lorries, have to pass through lanes where AI cameras have been installed several times. Since they will be fined separately each time, owners will be forced to install seat belts. Although seat belts are available in new buses, they are usually removed when the seat cushion is modified.
Kerala is ahead
Kerala is ahead of other states in collecting fines with or without using cameras. AI cameras have not been installed even in metro cities. There is no difference between rural and urban areas for cameras here.
Income is the target
The subject of making seat belts mandatory in buses was not discussed in the meetings of the Department of Motor Vehicles held before the opening of the schools. After the installation of AI cameras, a good number of motorists obeyed the law and the state did not receive the intended fine. That is why seat belts have been made mandatory for all vehicles except autorickshaws
"No other state levies fines like this from vehicle owners. We hope that the government will reconsider its decision.
-Manoj Padikkal,
President
Interstate Bus Owners Association, Karnataka