KOCHI: Nothing concrete has happened so far when it comes to road safety in the city. Though the authorities concerned have come up with counselling classes to the drivers, it could not bring about a substantial change in the existing scene.But the Motor Vehicles Department has its own versions to offer. “Giving counselling classes to drivers could bring about little effect. Such classes cannot create a vast change in the basic behaviour of the person. Tough actions are the only panacea,” said sources with Motor Vehicles Department.Before pointing fingers at the Motor Vehicles Department, there are many fundamental aspects that has to be dealt with immediately. “We are not provided with enough number of staff to monitor if the rules are obeyed. Hence, it is not right to say the department is lagging behind in enforcing the rules,” the officials said.The authorities have to fill in more number of staff in three wings - Enforcement wing, Taxation wing and Office wing. With less number of men, it becomes a nerve-racking job, he said. About 50 percent of the vehicles ply on the road without permits. Risk factors also increase as most of the autorickshaws are being driven by people with anti-social connections. Besides, mundane issues like traffic congestion, unavailability of parking spaces, jumping the red light add to the woes. “The number of vehicles plying on the road is increasing day by day. The roads are not in perfect shape either. All these show that ensuring road safety is not the only responsibility of the Motor Vehicles Department. The cooperation of other departments is also important,” he said.
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