THE authorities concerned in last August relaxed the requirement of experience for getting driving licences for medium and heavy vehicles. The Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) made the move under pressure from transport workers, while road safety experts termed the move self-destructing as well as contrary to the promises given for bringing discipline on the roads. Primarily, the relax period was granted till December 31. But the transport workers have been pressing the authorities to extend the period by another six months.
In the wake of huge criticism, police and BRTA had launched a crackdown on errant vehicles and drivers across the country. During the drives, a large number of bus and truck drivers were caught with light vehicle driving licences. Against this backdrop, transport owners and worker leaders had urged the government to relax the requirements. We must say the government should take an initiative to train the drivers properly before issuing them licences for heavy vehicles.
Under the existing law, motorists having light vehicle driving licence for three years can apply for the licence to drive medium vehicles. Similarly, the licenced drivers of medium vehicles can apply for heavy vehicle driving licence. As per the relaxed requirement, light vehicle drivers can apply for medium vehicle driving licence if they have a professional licence and one-year experience. Holders of medium vehicle driving licence can apply for a heavy vehicle driving licence if they have the similar experience.
The decision of relaxing the requirement has opened the gate for many unskilled men to become drivers. It would certainly contribute to increase the number of the road accident. The government should be strict in maintaining the eligibility criteria for getting the licence for a certain group of vehicles. We hope the BRTA would be cautious enough before awarding licence. It’s BRTA’s duty to bring discipline in the transport sector with comprehensive and smart transportation facilities for citizens.
