Kerala   

Traffic monitors, a welcome step

Good move

The move to deploy volunteers as traffic monitors in the capital city deserves praise. We should understand that the traffic police are under severe stress and strain trying to regulate the ever-increasing traffic in big cities. The reform is sure to ease the burden of the traffic police. The general public, especially those using private vehicles, will be relieved of hardships on the road to a great extend. Road accidents occur on account of several reasons. Apart from the poor condition of our roads and vehicles, the human error also plays a part. Arrogance coupled with ignorance and indifference makes driving a hazard. The failure of the Motor Vehicles Department (MVD) officials and the police to deal sternly with offenders also hamper various measures contemplated by various committees. In fact, MVD personnel should pay more attention to erratic and irresponsible driving and blatant violation of rules rather than spending too much time checking tax default and permit validity. In spite of the hue and cry for effective steps to ensure dipping of headlights at night, nothing has been done. Driving at night continues to be a nightmare as before. Traffic monitors can effectively assist the traffic police, especially at peak hours. They would be of help to pedestrians also. Naturally, the traffic police can devote more time to deal with offenders if the monitors are able to manage the scene. The experiment, in a way, would `reduce' the distance between the police and the public. This should be implemented in other cities as well.

N.K. Vijayan

Kizhakkambalam

Transparency

The rising number of new vehicles being registered and latest models of cars flooding the market are a testimony to the strides Kerala is making in various sectors. But unfortunately, our present system is unable to accommodate this rapid progress and is struggling with its minimal and rudimentary infrastructure. In this context `traffic monitors' will surely help in better traffic management. Monitors would help in tackling the problems caused due to a lack of personnel in the traffic police force. Active public participation will make the system people-friendly and would enhance transparency in the entire process. Native volunteers, familiar with localities, can engage in traffic control activities with effortless ease. Assigning such duties would induce a sense of responsibility in citizens. Participation of students should be ensured. Traffic management and allied topics should be included in the school syllabus. A dedicated team of experts should be constituted to analyse the project at various stages. Changes recommended by them should be implemented. By close monitoring and intense correction procedures, a solid system of traffic management with proper public involvement can be evolved. Such a well-tested strategy can then be extended to other cities and towns.

Manu Melwin Joy

Thrissur

Welcome move

The traffic-monitoring scheme, which is being introduced in Thiruvananthapuram, with the active cooperation of residents' associations, is a welcome move. These monitors should be used to control the traffic at busy junctions. It is nice to note that these traffic monitors will be under the full operational control of the traffic police. It is very much important that even the non-important junctions in the city, which are not manned by the police presently, will have traffic monitors.

S. Padmanabha Mallya

Fort Kochi

Discipline necessary

As long as drivers do not have a sense of discipline and patience the traffic system cannot be reformed. With the advent of new generation cars and an increased purchasing power, the roads in the State are under immense pressure. The traffic police as well as the special volunteers appointed on the roads are also under heavy pressure regulating the ever increasing and chaotic traffic flow. Only planned measures will help in bringing about a lasting and practical solution. The arterial roads and bridges in the State should be widened. Bus stops should be planned so that they do not disrupt smooth flow of traffic. All these should also be considered before introducing traffic monitors.

Krishna K

Kochi

More needs to be done

Authorities need to do much more than introducing new traffic regulating personnel. Lack of brake lights in heavy vehicles is a big problem. Most of the KSRTC and private buses and many lorries do not have brake lights. The police and the MVD should take strict action against erring motorists. Blocking traffic by stopping vehicles in the middle of road, honking, rash driving and rash overtaking should be stopped. Heavy penalties must be imposed on drivers for such offences. It must be applicable to drivers of Government vehicles also.

It is a pity that many who regulate traffic do not know proper traffic rules. We need to properly train them. Our driving schools should teach road ethics also.

M.K. Radhakrishnan

Aluva

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