The tipper lorry, quarry and crusher operators called off their strike following talks with the Transport Minister Jose Thettayil here on Wednesday.
They had gone on strike in protest against the time restrictions imposed on operation of the tipper lorries along public roads following a series of accidents involving the lorries.
The Transport Minister told the media after the talks that the restrictions would continue. However, the collectors and superintendents of police would decide on any change in the timings specified for operation of the lorries in the districts, considering local factors. There would be strict checks on use of speed governors on the lorries.
The ban on trips along roads passing by schools in the mornings and evenings would be insisted upon.
Mr. Thettayil said that the government had also decided to conduct a special training programme for drivers of tipper lorries involved in accidents in Kochi on November 2. He said that a case filed by an owner of tipper lorry challenging the government order imposing restrictions on the operation of the lorries as well as a public interest litigation seeking more severe restrictions were before the High Court.
The Court had asked the government to file its counter in the first case.
