While public transport services were moderately affected, most of the lorries and autorickshaws kept off the roads in Erode district on Thursday opposing the new Road Transport and Safety Bill, 2015.
Works in the offices of the Road Transport Offices came to a standstill as absenteeism was more than 60 per cent since all three associations representing officials, inspectors and employees endorsed the 24-hour strike nation-wide strike called by trade unions. There are in excess of 15,000 lorries and other public carriers, and 2,000 autorickshaws in the district, official sources said.
According to lorry and auto operators, hefty fines and imprisonment proposed in the new Bill for drivers responsible for accidents, and even minor traffic violations, does not augur well with the economic condition of the masses. According to Tamil Nadu Transport Department Officers' Association, the new Bill was harmful as it would not only result in a steep hike in transport charges, but also a reduction in the number of public transport buses.
Privatisation of licence issuance and registration would subject the general public to immense sufferings as the charges would become exorbitant. There will be difficulties in getting spare parts.
