VISAKHAPATNAM: Lorries, auto-rickshaws and other private goods/transport vehicles will not be operated in north Coastal Andhra region Thursday, following the nation-wide 24-hour motor strike call given by central trade unions and transport unions in protest against the new Motor Vehicle Act-2014.
According to AITUC leader G Vamana Murthy, the members of various trade and transport unions would stage dharnas at several places in the city besides holding a rasta-roko at Seethammadhara Junction and LIC Building near RTC Complex Junction.
As per the new Act, all drivers should wear seat belts and install special costly devices that would track the location and speed of the vehicle. Apart from this, violations will invite negative points and lead to cancellation of drivers’ licences. The new Act also has many more regulations going against road-users and would ensure that huge fines are levied for petty offences, he alleged.
AP Lorry Transport Association vice-president M Janaki Ram Reddy said that they have called upon all lorry owners and drivers in the state to take part in the bandh. No lorry will ply on roads Thursday, he said.
However, APSRTC regional manager Y Jagadeesh Babu stated that RTC buses including city buses will operate without interruption.