September 27, Colombo (LNW): Police are set to intensify enforcement of bus priority lane regulations in Colombo and other parts of the Western Province from Tuesday (29), as authorities seek to improve traffic flow during the busiest periods of the day.
The renewed operation will cover seven designated bus priority lanes, with officials saying the measures are intended to reduce delays on major roads and make public transport journeys more predictable for commuters.
S.M.U.P. Thilakaratne, Chairman of Metro Bus, said the initiative would support smoother movement of traffic while helping passengers reach their destinations more safely and efficiently. He also said 104 additional luxury buses operated by Metro are expected to enter service from September 29, providing another transport option for people travelling towards Colombo.
According to ASP Manoj Ranagala of the Police Traffic Control and Road Safety Division, the priority lanes will be reserved for designated use between 6am and 9 am in the morning and from 4 pm to 7 pm in the evening.
During these periods, private vehicles will be prohibited from entering, stopping or parking in the marked lanes, with only limited exceptions.
Motorists may use a priority lane where it is unavoidable because of an emergency or accident, when attempting to negotiate exceptionally heavy traffic, or when the road layout requires them to cross the lane in order to turn.
Police said the restrictions apply to passenger transport services beyond Metro-operated buses, meaning other authorised passenger buses will also be permitted to use the designated lanes.
Traffic officers are expected to conduct inspections throughout the relevant periods, with legal action to be taken against motorists who disregard the regulations. Authorities have urged drivers to plan their journeys accordingly and follow lane markings and traffic instructions to help prevent further congestion.