The much-awaited Formula One demonstration drive led by India’s ace driver Narain Karthikeyan in Thiruvananthapuram on August 28 has run into a legal tangle with a social worker serving notices on eight parties, including the Tourism Secretary.
Sabu Stephen, a native of the city, has served notices on the managing director, KTDC, member secretary, Kerala Road Fund Board, administrative officer, KRFB, director, Thiruvananthapuram Road Development Company Ltd, principal, M&N Racing Team, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Traffic (North) and Circle Inspector of Police, Traffic (North) over the issue.
“Responding to an RTI query, the State Public Information Officer, Transport Commissionerate, Thiruvananthapuram has informed that the demonstration drive is not valid. My query was, if I have a racing bike or car, what is the maximum speed that I can drive the vehicle on the Kowdiar-Vellayambalam-Palayam Road of Thiruvananthapuram city and the answer was 40 km per hour,” said Sabu.
It is also stated in the answer that there are no provisions to get any kind of permit/ licence/ authorisation to drive at higher speeds than the allowed maximum speed on the same road. Sabu said that 40 kmph is the maximum legally permissible speed and the race would influence the public, especially the youth, in a wrong way. The well-maintained stretch of road from Kowdiar to Vellayambalam in front of Raj Bhavan, the Governor’s residence, has been luring thrill-seeking youngsters and the has been the venue of street races for years. Accidents and consequent deaths on the road have been mounting steadily.
Comments
0 comment