Lorry strike called off in Kerala

Kochi, Dec 3 (UNI) The tanker and lorry operators today called off their three-day long strike taking into consideration the pilgrimage season in Kerala.

Ernakulam Collector A P M Mohammad Hanish told reporters after the meeting with the owners' association that the tanker and lorry owners decided to withdraw from the strike after they were convinced that the strike had affected the Haj pilgrims and also those who travelled to the famous Sabarimala Lord Ayyappa Temple.

The government had authorised Mr Hanish to hold discussions with the striking lorry owners.

Regarding the issuance of fitness certificates, he said the certificates could be issued only if speed governors were fitted in the vehicles.

Mr Hanish said the lorry owners were told that as it was a Supreme Court order making speed governors mandatory for heavy vehicles, it would amount to contempt of court and the government could not go against it.

He said the 50 impounded tankers and lorries would be released tomorrow and no legal action would be taken against.

Meanwhile the All Kerala Lorry Owners Association (AKLOA) said they wanted to have a 'legal relief' in the speed governor issue.

The AKLOA had called for the indefinite strike in protest against the directive making speed governors mandatory for heavy vehicles.

Bus, tanker and lorry operators had withdrawn their services earlier this month also and the five-day strike was called off following promises made by the State Transport Minister to expedite the ordinance to overcome the Supreme Court directive on speed governors.

UNI MA GKT RL VC1959