Kerala - Kochi   

A campaign to make roads safer

The traffic police are planning to launch a programme to improve road traffic in the city, says Anand Haridas

Buoyed by the success of its Model Road Project, the City Police are now planning to go all out for improving the traffic in the city. The Model Road Project was launched last month between Palarivattom and High Court junction, with a view to streamlining the traffic and reducing snarls.

"The success of the project should not be evaluated by the punishment rate for traffic offences. It is to be felt by the commuters. Many have reported that the situation has improved a lot after the drive," said P. Vijayan, City Police Commissioner.

But many officers on the field are not sure how long the drive can be sustained. The main hitch that the force faces in implementation of a similar project is shortage of hands. Another bottleneck in traffic reforms is poor infrastructure. "We are expected to control the ever-increasing traffic with the existing road structure. In all developed metros, the traffic management is supplemented with improved infrastructure," said K.E. Joy, Assistant Commissioner of Police (Traffic - East).

Much to the relief of the force the promised support is in sight. "The Road Safety Fund, to the tune of Rs. 5 lakhs, has been sanctioned. This will be used for doing the markings in fluorescent colours and putting up reflectors between Kaloor and Marine Drive and the stretch between Marine Drive and Jos Junction via BTH Junction," said A.P.M. Mohammed Hanish, District Collector.

The district administration is also planning to put up signages along main roads, by finding sponsors.

The City Traffic Police are, however, not waiting for the support to materialise. The force is already into the planning stage of a traffic awareness programme. "We are planning to have a three-fold programme," said Mr. Vijayan. "First part of which will be the strict implementation of law. This will include action against violations like drunken and rash driving and careless parking. The second component will be awareness programmes, like classes and competitions. The final part will be sensitising the public about tragedy of accidents."

The film, Mrutasanjeevani, on traffic safety is ready for screening and the force has arranged a mobile display system so as to organise screening at various points in the city.

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