Perturbed by the spate in cases of drunk driving, especially by drivers of private buses, the Transport Department has decided to crack the whip on the erring operators.
On Friday, Deputy Transport Commissioner, Krishna district, E. Meera Prasad, called for an emergency meeting of the owners and drivers of private travel firms operating in the district.
Citing a number of cases in the last few days when drivers of private buses were found to be under the influence of alcohol while at the wheel, Mr. Meera Prasad said the department would deal stringently with such persons. He said the transport owners had the responsibility to exercise great care while appointing drivers as any negligence on their part could cost innocent lives.
He said licences would be cancelled and cases would be booked against those found to be putting the passengers’ lives at risk.
Owners of the buses were asked if they had appointed two drivers and a cleaner in each of their vehicle.
Special drive
The district transport officials had booked driver of a contract carriage bus belonging to Varun Travels for driving under the influence of alcohol on Wednesday night. This was a day after the Nandigama police booked a private travel bus driver and the cleaner for their state of inebriation while driving.
The department’s special drive resulting in unearthing of a series of drunk-driving cases shines the spotlight on the crucial area of passenger safety.
