The Lanka Private Bus Owners’ Association (LPBOA) has warned of halting bus services across the country in the near future to protest the repeated inspection of private buses for excess smoke and the imposing of fines.

Chairman of the Association Gemunu Wijeratne told the media today that the Department of Motor Traffic is continuously conducting inspections of private buses to identify shortcomings. 

The Association does not oppose action against excess noise, modifications, stickers, etc. However, complaints have been received from bus owners that the Police were stopping buses and conducting smoke tests while on duty, Wijeratne said.

Pointing out that buses are allowed to operate only after obtaining the relevant vehicle emissions licence, he said, however, fines are being imposed by the Police after repeatedly checking buses for excess smoke. 

“The cause for the excess smoke is due to the importation of auto diesel with a high percentage of sulfur. If quality fuel is distributed then the issue of excess smoke can be resolved,” he said. 

Gemunu Wijeratne stated that the Department of Motor Traffic and the Ministry of Transportation have been warned of this.

He further accused the authorities of subjecting only private buses to smoke tests, stating government buses are not being inspected. (NewsWire)

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