The Hindu : New Delhi News : Reining in road indiscipline

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Mar 31, 2007
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New Delhi

New Delhi

Reining in road indiscipline

Hefty penalties act as a deterrent, but this can only happen when a sound enforcement system is in place, writes Ashok Kumar

The Delhi High Court's recent order to charge an extra Rs. 500 for every traffic violation has once again brought into sharp focus lack of discipline on the Capital's roads. Hearing a public interest litigation, the Court not only increased the fine amount but also fixed a minimum qualification for bus drivers and conductors, made it mandatory for private bus staff to wear uniform and declared Lutyens' Delhi a "no parking" zone.

It goes without saying that the way traffic is managed impacts just about everyone in the city. In this context, any endeavour to sort out the mess is laudable. But the enormity of the problem in the Capital -- increasing vehicular population, high rate of road accidents and low level of road discipline -- makes out a strong case for comprehensive and urgent steps to address the issue.

Hefty penalties for traffic violations undoubtedly play on the minds of motorists and act as a deterrent. But this can only happen when a sound system for enforcement is in place.

Unfortunately, despite all the impressive statistics presented by the Delhi traffic police, jumping traffic signals, driving without helmets, not wearing seat belt, lane violations, using mobile phones while driving and dangerous driving are a common sight on the roads.

In fact, 8,838 road accidents and 1,910 deaths -- with little improvement vis-à-vis 2005 -- and over 40 lakh challans issued last year do not seem to corroborate the claims of "intensive quality enforcement". Interestingly enough, the figures show that the number of challans issued in 2006 has gone up compared to the previous year.

A sharp increase in vehicles and population, inadequate staff and means, rampant corruption and non-registration of out-station vehicles are some of the major factors hampering effective and quality enforcement.

A robust public transport system -- the Metro railway is likely to meet the need to a great extent after made operational in all directions -- and technological up-gradation are the key to improving traffic management in the city.

Several modern technologies such as traffic monitoring system, simputers and area traffic control system have been introduced, but the slow pace of implementation has made it difficult to keep pace with the ever-emerging challenges.

The three Es -- Enforcement, Engineering and Education -- are key to good traffic management. But the efforts of the traffic police to create awareness among the masses seem to be grossly inadequate.

An annual road safety exhibition, a road safety mela and a few special workshops for drivers are the only highlights of its road safety awareness campaigns. But then again the onus of inculcating road discipline does not lie with the traffic police alone. Other sections of society should also come forward to shoulder responsibility.

Ashok Kumar

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