Rs. 25,000 fine for jaywalking and driving on level crossings

The Government has decided to fine offenders Rs. 25,000 for jaywalking on railway lines and carelessly driving across level crossings. 

According to the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation Nimal Siripala de Silva, the new laws are expected to bring down the increased number of railway related accidents and will soon get enacted. 

“Some carelessly drive or walk across the tracks risking their and others’ safety even at level crossings which are protected by bell-and-light system and gates. Regardless of the closed gates some squeeze through motorcycles. So the Government decided to bring in the new fines, which are being formulated,” explained the Minister.

Setting a benchmark in terms of installing bell-and-light systems at 876 unprotected level-crossings, the Minister assured the House that he would require two years. “The installation of a bell-and-light system with 200 level-crossings is progressing. Shortly tenders will be called for another 200. A proposal has also been moved to pay an allowance of Rs. 22,500 to selected families who volunteer to guard unprotected railway crossings,” Minister de Silva told Parliament.