Various law enforcement agencies are performing well to implement the ban on use of tinted film and curtains on windscreens and side windows of vehicles, but it seems a different set of rules apply for government vehicles.
When you take note of government cars, it is seen that at least two out of three still use either sun film or curtains with impunity. Interestingly, the officials concerned, including policemen, whose job it is to implement the Supreme Court order in this regard, turn a blind eye to the violations by government vehicles, but common people are caught and fined.
Only a negligible number of private vehicle owners continue to deceive the police, but they are devising several ways to prevent harsh sunlight from torturing them while on a drive. However, many government officials, including District Collectors, are getting cloth curtains fitted on car windows, besides using opaque and translucent glass.
Vehicle users in the city seem to be justifying their use of curtains and similar accessories on windows as day temperatures here are steadily rising. These measures may seem annoying, but are effective in controlling sunlight.
“If my car with transparent windows stays in the open even for five minutes, the heat gets trapped inside. It takes a considerably long time thereafter for the vehicle to cool. In spite of this, I have removed the curtain and tinted sun film on the glass, but the police are not taking action against the government vehicles that use curtains,” said a motorist, who was parking his vehicle in the open in front of his own shop.
‘’Even a powerful airconditioner even takes over 10 minutes to cool the interiors of a running vehicle given such temperatures,’’ he added. When contacted, Regional Transport Officer K M Shaji said that rules are the same for all - from common man to top officials. “We take strict action against the vehicles using sun film,” he said.
Traffic Assistant Commissioner (South) P Mohanan said that nobody is allowed to violate rules. But when asked about the Supreme Court directive, he said: ‘’We have not started strict enforcement regarding the curtains. But there are many who have had to pay fines in this regard.’’