Motor vehicle department turns a blind eye to overcrowded vehicles

KOZHIKODE: At a time when motor vehicle department (MVD) is busy acting against taking passengers on public transport over limits, it is helpless when it comes to private vehicles. Recently six members of a family died in an accident in the district while travelling in a car that carried nine passengers. The ghastly accident has triggered fresh concerns over the safety.

Traffic officials and MVD have even turned a blind eye towards private vehicles including bikes. “On the airport road we could see more such private cars and jeeps that take passengers more than its capacity in addition to the luggage,” opined Muhammed Hamsa, a member of road protection council, Kozhikode, that works to create awareness on road safety.

"Despite a series of accidents, police and transport officials are bothered to take action against violators," he said. “Most of the recent road mishaps are due to vehicle owners’ failure to maintain the law. Carrying more than the permitted number of passengers is risky as it leads to accidents.,” said MVD official Yusuf N.

“Most of the youngsters taking triples are widely reported, and we take action against them, but often we are not able to take action against cars and other private vehicles."