Sri Lanka Police have instructed all police stations to take legal action against drivers who park vehicles at designated bus stopping places and obstruct public buses from picking up and dropping off passengers.
Police said vehicles parked at bus stops often force bus drivers to stop on the road, resulting in traffic congestion and creating safety risks for passengers.
The issue has also become more significant with the introduction of buses that can accommodate passengers using wheelchairs. Police said bus stopping places need to remain free of obstructions to allow such buses to stop safely.
When bus stops are blocked by other vehicles, persons with disabilities and other passengers may also face dangerous situations when boarding or getting off buses.
According to a special government gazette notification, vehicles are prohibited from being parked within 30 metres of the approach to a bus stopping place and within 15 metres of the exit.
At bus stopping places with designated bus bays, the gazette prohibits other vehicles from being parked within 15 metres on the approach side and within 10 metres on the exit side.
Police said all police stations have been instructed to enforce the relevant laws against drivers who obstruct bus stopping places, with the aim of ensuring passenger safety and allowing buses to stop and passengers to board and alight safely.
Police also urged motorists to park their vehicles properly and keep bus stopping places clear for buses. (Newswire)