HYDERABAD: Concerned over a series of fatal road accidents on highways touching the State Capital's suburbs, the police are planning to restrict speed limits. Speeds will be fixed depending on the road conditions and traffic volumes.

Survey

A recent survey by Cyberabad police to ascertain reasons for the rise in road accidents says most of them were due to over-speeding. Over 191 people died between January and April, 2007. The Vijayawada highway stood No. 1 in the ominous list, taking 34 lives, followed by Warangal (32) and Kukatpally (31) highways.

Motorists were found to be driving, according to their whims and fancies.

A classic case is the national highway from Rajiv Chowk at Dilsukhnagar to Hayathnagar connecting Vijayawada road, where speedsters clocked 40 kms an hour in peak hours and over 50 kms an hour in non-peak hours.

Holiday time

On holidays, it was 60 kms an hour and more. This road took 35 lives and left 97 more grievously injured in 120 accidents within four months.

"Going by the findings, we plan to restrict speed limit from next month. Depending upon the road conditions and traffic volume, the speed limit will be fixed. Once motorists cross our jurisdiction, they can increase speeds," says Cyberabad Deputy Commissioner (Traffic) P. Muni Swamy. A notification will also be issued soon.

He says mobile vehicles with speed radar guns would be deployed on these highways for stern action against errant drivers. "Radar guns will record speeds, time and vehicle number on the spot. Any violation will mean a penalty for erring drivers", explains the DCP.

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