CHENNAI: In response to a rise in road accidents and fatal mishaps, the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) has issued strict instructions prohibiting drivers from carrying or using mobile phones while on duty.

In a circular issued on Saturday, MTC’s Safety and Training Division said that recent reviews of accidents involving State transport corporation buses revealed instances of drivers speaking on mobile phones while operating buses. These violations were identified through public complaints as well as CCTV footage installed in buses.

Stating that mobile phone use while driving leads to distraction and significantly increases the risk of accidents, the MTC has directed that drivers must hand over their mobile phones to the conductor at the start of their duty. The phones may be collected only after the completion of the trip or duty.

The circular further warned that if drivers are found to have mobile phones during duty hours, inspectors and officials will initiate appropriate disciplinary action.

The instructions have been circulated to all branch managers and displayed on information boards to ensure strict compliance, the corporation said.