Kerala Transport Minister proposes fine for pedestrians using mobile phones

Transport Minister K.B. Ganesh Kumar addresses pedestrian safety, reckless drivers, and traffic congestion issues in the State.

Transport Minister K.B. Ganesh Kumar believes that fining pedestrians for using mobile phones while crossing roads will likely reduce the increasing number of wayfarer accidents in the State. 

In response to questions in the Assembly on Thursday (February 13, 2025), Mr. Ganesh Kumar, however, stated that fining pedestrians for road safety violations was beyond his jurisdiction.

“It is up to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and the police department to make the final decision. The Transport Department can only make proposals. At present, the police impose fines solely on motorists for infringing on road safety rules and endangering other fellow road users,” he added. 

Mr. Ganesh Kumar stated that reckless and negligent drivers were the leading cause of pedestrian fatalities in the State.

Most drivers disregard zebra crossings and traffic lights for pedestrians. Many drivers do not comprehend the purpose of zebra crossings on roads and, therefore, fail to respect them. “  

Mr. Ganesh Kumar said the ongoing National Highway development work had constrained motorists, including heavy freight vehicles, to rely heavily on the Main Central Road, resulting in congestion and accidents.

“The number of cars, buses, vans and trucks using the limited carriageway space has abounded, causing traffic to move at a snail’s pace along the MC road”, he added.