Dr A K Ramdas
It is well known that our Minister, Ramalinga Reddy has taken pains and serious steps to improve the living conditions of the denizens of this garden city. As Minister for Road Transport, and then City Development, he has brought great changes in many parts of the city; this is visible in St Marks Road, and it is gratifying to note that his immediate plans include the repairs and corrections so sorely needed in the 6th Block of Koramangala, which connects to the main 100 feet road. Here are some suggestions that, I am sure, are already in his plans, but these need to be implemented in various areas, step by step.
Pedestrian Crossings (or Zebra Crossings): At any one time, when public want to cross the road, they are expected to follow the rules and take the Zebra Crossing for their own safety. But is this possible? Most of the time, these are worn out (painting is of poor quality and simply vanishes in no time) and all vehicles are occupying the space meant for walking across! People have to zig-zag their way! So, what is to be done?
These crossings, have to be manned by Traffic Road Wardens, who should not only fine such errant drivers, but confiscate their vehicles to keep them off the road for say, three days!
Footpath occupation: In most busy streets pedestrians cannot even walk on the footpath, simply because these are “occupied” by shops, push carts and owners of vehicles simply parking their cars, though, most of them have enough space in their own homes for this purpose. This results in people being forced to walk on the street, at their own peril! It is necessary to ensure evacuation of such illegally occupied shops and when vehicles are parked in this manner, they need to be towed away and owners fined
Footpath drivers: It is a sad state of affairs to see educated techies (one can see their IDs hanging around their necks) using the foot path to driver their two-wheelers with impunity and pedestrians simply have to “give way” to these drivers, as most of the time, the drivers brush past them! These drivers will drive from road to footpath and vice-versa so that they can reach their destination in “time”. These drivers need to be fined too and vehicles impounded Attempts made in the past to “direct” them to use the road has only brought sneer and abuse from these drivers.
Driving against Traffic: This is a growing menace of two wheelers to drive against the traffic, in one way street!. When pedestrians try to stop them, all they get is abuse and filthy language, and on-coming traffic have to weave their way to avoid accidents! This is rampant on the 6th cross (or known as the Canara Bank Street) in Koramangala. It is certain that all localities have this problem and unless the Traffic Police, manning the streets take stern steps, this menace will only increase! To resolve this issue, not only the drivers should be fined, vehicles should be impounded and such drivers must be given three days punishment to be put in lock-ups!
Violation of Road separators: Where these have been placed, the two wheels, often including auto-rickshaws, simply drive against the oncoming traffic and take right turns into the 5th cross, on to the Canara Bank Street, as mentioned above. Here again the Traffic Police must ensure these vehicles are impounded and drivers fined.
Violation by BMTC Buses: It is time rules are enforced upon the drivers. First is to ensure that they are not permitted to overtake a stationery vehicle on the road, which is discharging the passengers. Second, serious study must be undertaken to shift the bus “stops” which are most in road junctions and corners. This is a traffic hazard and must be shifted to the middle section of the road. The Traffic Department must carry a trial to introduce this. Buses overtaking each other is a danger to other vehicles and pedestrians who are on the road.
There may be many other areas of traffic violations that Readers of City Kemp may come across; they should write and bring this up to the consideration of the Honourable Minister who is actively involved in the development of this great metropolis. School Children need to have special classes on Traffic rules and how they need to follow them so that they are safe. In fact, Ramalinga Reddy could support the move of Resident Welfare Associations to have volunteers manning the streets, with the active assistance of the Traffic Police so that we can have an overall improvement in this area.
The Traffic Police must be actively involved in bringing about the change in this matter. It would be good and workable idea if the Minister should declare, say, sometimes in the middle of January (after Sankranthi) to be Traffic Awareness Day when the whole city can have various local Resident Welfare Associations joining hands with the Traffic Police to ensure vehicle drivers to not violate the rules and cause accidents and misery to the public.!
