The kaali peeli taxi union has written to the Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic), requesting to not make wearing of seat belts compulsory for rear seat passengers. Elaborating about the move, union leader AL Quadros said, “As per traffic police order effective from Nov 1, if the passengers are found without seat belts on then the driver would be fined Rs500. This rule isn't easy for taxi drivers to follow.”
Justifying the demand, he further said that taxis mostly operate within municipal limits and the majority of passengers travel for short distances. “Apart from that, taxis are allowed to carry four passengers and three of them occupy rear seats. Car manufacturers have provided only two seat belts on the rear seat. Hence, the third passenger can't wear the seat belts,” he pointed out.
Mr Quadros continued that the accidents ratio of taxis is almost nil; except minor collusion. Also, the average speed of the vehicles within city limits is less than 12km. Hence, taxis shouldn't be compared with private vehicles, he said, reiterating that seat belt rule should not be made applicable to taxis.
