The Times of India 14.10.2010
Breath analysers to check MC drivers
LUDHIANA: Waking up from their slumber, municipal corporation authorities have finally decided to keep a check on the activities of their drivers. The civic body will purchase breath analysers to conduct regular tests on them. Since March, MC trucks have claimed the lives of five persons.
Alcohol test will be conducted on drivers before they start their duty. It has also been brought to the notice of MC officials that drivers allow novices to practise driving on MC trucks and take money in return, which also causes accidents. The issue was brought before house members in the Thursday meeting, where councillors also gave their suggestions. After considering their views, MC commissioner AK Sinha made incharge of MC workshop AK Gupta responsible for the task. Sinha told Gupta to inscribe the name of Ludhiana Municipal Corporation on its trucks and write driver’s name on a plate at front mirror of the truck.
Also, it will be mandatory for drivers to take along a helper with them when going for duty. House members suggested that speed governors and global positioning system should be installed in vehicles.
” Breath analyser machines will be purchased as soon as possible and it will be mandatory for drivers to give alcohol tests,” Sinha said. They have changed old vehicles with new ones. Besides, a few stringent steps needed to be taken to check accidents, he added.
