September 20, Colombo (LNW): Police have warned that vehicles carrying passengers without properly fastened seat belts will not be permitted to enter Sri Lanka’s expressway network as authorities step up enforcement of the mandatory safety requirement.
An awareness campaign on the regulation will continue today, giving motorists and passengers a further opportunity to familiarise themselves with the requirement before penalties are imposed.
Once the awareness phase concludes, both drivers and passengers found travelling on expressways without wearing seat belts could face fines, according to police.
The regulation, which requires every passenger in a vehicle using an expressway to wear a seat belt, came into force on 19 September.
Police also said the grace period provided for vehicles originally manufactured without seat belts to have the necessary safety equipment installed expired on 18 September.
Authorities have urged motorists to ensure that everyone travelling in their vehicles is properly restrained before entering an expressway, as enforcement of the rule is now being strengthened.
