Thiruvananthapuram: Keralam Transport Minister C P John on Tuesday called for strict action against parents who allow minors to drive vehicles, saying those unable to restrain their children should even consider selling their vehicles.

To advertise here,

John said action should be taken against parents rather than minors caught driving vehicles, as they were responsible for allowing their children access to them.

"They (parents) should not hand over vehicle keys to their children. Parents who cannot control them should sell their vehicles. There is no need for vehicles in the homes of such people," he told reporters here.

John said parents were responsible for incidents involving minors driving vehicles as they provided them access to the vehicles.

Apparently referring to the recent Benz crash incident in which a judge's son was allegedly involved, he pointed out that cases had been registered even against influential persons in connection with such cases.

The Home Minister had already made it clear that there would be no leniency in dealing with the issue, he said.

The transport minister said he did not expect much impact from merely advising 16- and 17-year-old children against driving.

Instead, parents should ensure that their vehicles are not available for their children's use, he added.

John's remarks come amid growing concerns over a spate of reckless driving incidents involving young motorists in Keralam.

Recent cases include an accident involving a minor in Cheranalloor and another involving a 19-year-old man in Nedumbassery respectively, where a Mercedes-Benz and a Mini Cooper were reportedly involved.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Mathrubhumi and is published from a syndicated feed.)