Traffic plans to change based on Police analysis

SSP Jaliya Senaratne addressing the Media - Pic by Upul Abayasekara 

By Asiri Fernando

The Sri Lanka Police will tomorrow make changes to the ongoing traffic plan based on data analysis and the feedback they have got from the public. 

As such, the ‘Bus Lane’ (left most lane) which is in use on four routes will not be compulsory for three-wheelers and motorcyclist from tomorrow, Police spokesman SSP Jaliya Senaratne said at a press conference held yesterday.

However, busses and vans registered as office and school transport services will be allowed to use the ‘Bus Lane’, said SSP Senaratne. 

“CTB and private buses will only be permitted to stop at marked bus stops to drop and pick up passengers. Office and school transport vehicles should pull over to the edge of the road to drop off passengers. Buses will be permitted to venture in to the middle or right lane to overtake other vehicles which have stopped on the bus lane,” SSP Senaratne explained. 

Responding to a question the Police conceded that their traffic plan has inconvenienced many people over the last few days. However, they stressed that according to data they have gathered from the trail program the average speed of motorist heading in to Colombo in the morning has increased. The Police will continue to gather more information on the traffic flow and make changes to the traffic plan to reduce congestion. 

“The Acting IGP has instructed the officers managing the plan to deploy more Police personnel on to traffic control duties near several key choke points along the four main routes,” Senaratne added.