Withdraw ban on night traffic via STR, demand truckers, shopkeepers

To avert wild animals being run over by vehicles on the national highways, the Madras High Court recently ordered a ban on vehicles with 12 wheels and above and those carrying a weight of 16.2 tonnes recently from going through the way.

Buses were also prohibited from using the stretch from 9 pm to 6 am.

Protesting against the restrictions, more than 1,000 shops, including hotels, textile shops, departmental stores, tea stalls downed shutters since 6 am in these areas.

Also, lorry owners and workers led by Lorry Owners Association president SK Ponnusamy staged a ‘waiting protest’ at Bannari check post. Lorries across Erode district were not operated, while buses and autos plied as usual.

As farm produce from Thalavadi and other areas were taken to Karnataka, the farmers sought restriction-free movement of vehicles to carry their produce. Due to restrictions on vehicle movement during night, the farmers lamented that they couldn’t transport their goods, mainly vegetables and essential commodities.

Also, buses should be operated round the clock and local villagers should be allowed to travel without having to show a proof of identity, they insisted.