Women, transport operators and sections of public have hailed the State government’s submission to the Madras High Court regarding the plan to shift all TASMAC retail outlets away from highways.
The move would significantly reduce number of road mishaps on the highways, people felt. “We wholeheartedly welcome the State government’s submission as the move will reduce road accidents to a large extent,” observes President, Tamil Nadu Mini Bus Owners’ Federation, K.Raju. Drunken driving is the bane of transport industry and that has wrought havoc on the lives of thousands of operators and drivers. Now that would be hugely brought down, he says enthusiastically.
Mr.Raju, who is also the president of the Karur District Lorry Owners’ Association, says that the move reflects the decision of the State government to be tough with road rule violators to make the roads safer.
“We transport operators urge the State government to take stringent penal action against unscrupulous elements indulging in illicit sale of liquor sourced from TASMAC shops beyond the stipulated time. Our long felt demand has now come true and we would be definitely benefited by the decision,” he says thanking the State government for the decision.
The move to relocate TASMAC retails shops away from the highways is highly appreciative as it reduces the temptation for drivers to have a swig before a drive only to create nuisance and cause accidents, notes president of the Junior Chamber of Commerce and chartered accountant N.K.M.Nallasamy.
Stating that the positive step must be implemented forthwith, Mr. Nallasamy points out that allurement of the tipplers was the reason for numerous avoidable accidents and that much they would be cut down.
Use gadgets
However, the full benefit could be reaped only when the Highway Police Patrol teams use their modern gadgets to identify and punish drunken drivers for which the spot fine system could be re-introduced, he adds.
“Women like me convey our sincere thanks to the State government and Chief Minister Jayalalithaa for the decision to shift TASMAC retail shops away from highways as we believe we have regained our social security to some extent,” says a pleased T. Selvarani, wife of a lorry driver, belonging to Kaniyalampatti village from where a lot of lorry and bus drivers have emerged over the years.
“We earn our bread in the transport sector and now is the time to rein in other misadventures like rash and negligent driving, drunken driving, etc, that make the roads a hell of a place,” she added.
