Police to prosecute those who allow minors to drive vehicles

Police will take legal action against vehicle owners or other persons who allow minors or people without driving licences to drive, Police Media Spokesman Assistant Superintendent of Police F.U. Wootler said on Sunday (01).

His comments came following the October 31 incident in Kadawatha, where police opened fire on a three-wheeler that allegedly failed to stop when ordered to do so.

Wootler said the person who allowed the underage youth involved in the incident to drive the three-wheeler would also face legal action under the Motor Traffic Act.

He said allowing a minor or an unlicensed person to drive a vehicle was an offence and urged adults and vehicle owners to act responsibly.

The Police Spokesman also rejected a claim by the mother of the youth who was shot that police had said those travelling in the three-wheeler were transporting drugs. He described the claim as “completely false”.

Wootler urged motorists to stop when signalled by uniformed police officers, particularly during security operations.

He said police had intensified arrests, spot checks and search operations across the country targeting drug trafficking, organised crime, gunmen and those who assist them.