KOODARANJI: The PWD Tiruvambadi section has taken an unusual action by imposing a fine in the event that a vehicle falls into a ditch while yielding the road to an oncoming vehicle. The incident took place near Mankayam on the Koodaranji Maranchatty Road.

While yielding to another vehicle, the lorry slid to the side causing its left front tire to get stuck in a ditch. The owner of the vehicle then used a JCB to lift the vehicle out of the pit and move it away from the spot. After the vehicle was removed the resulting hole was filled with stones and soil.

Following the incident, the Tiruvampadi Section PWD Engineer filed a complaint. Subsequently, the Tiruvampadi police summoned the vehicle owner to the station. During questioning, the vehicle owner stated that when he inquired at the public works office he was informed that he needed to pay Rs 26,000 as compensation.

Tipper drivers from Koodaranji alleged that the width of the road in this area which includes a sharp curve has diminished because a native who is also a Grama Panchayat member and resides on the opposite side of the road had concreted a pathway leading to his house. Vehicle owners and drivers have decided to proceed with a strong protest if action is not taken against these encroachments on the road.