The Hindu : Tamil Nadu News : Jump in traffic rule violations Law and order

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Saturday, May 03, 2008
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Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu

Jump in traffic rule violations Law and order

The problem is aggravated when vehicles waiting to take a right turn breach the lane discipline, writes
L. Srikrishna

— Photo: S. Thanthoni

Diurnal practice: An everyday scene on Anna Salai.

Traffic rule violations, particularly signal and lane jumping, on Anna Salai are on the rise, according to the police.

Be it rush hour or other hours, it is not uncommon to find two-wheelers and autorickshaws zig-zagging their way through lanes meant for other vehicles. Likewise it is common to find cars, especially cabs and vehicles belonging to Information Technology firms, and Metropolitan Transport Corporation buses violating the lanes and being driven rashly. The problem is aggravated when vehicles waiting to take a right turn breach the lane discipline. Apart from being dangerous for the riders/drivers, it also poses safety hazards to law-abiding motorists. MTC drivers topped the violators’ list, especially with regard to signal jumping, police said.

The lane traffic system on Anna Salai was introduced with the aim to prevent two-wheelers from colliding with heavy vehicles, but with two-wheelers criss-crossing lanes, on many occasions, either there was a narrow escape or it turned fatal.

Between January and April this year, the police booked 25,000 cases involving traffic signal and lane jumping violations. They collected about Rs.13 lakh as fines, traffic enforcement officers said.

Despite limitations such as shortage of manpower in the traffic wing, the police have been keeping a tab on the violators and booking them as per the law. However, the rise in vehicular population is, no doubt, posing a big challenge to enforcement, many officers said.

“Only with the cooperation of motorists, we can achieve results,” they added. For instance, a year ago, it was a common sight to spot motorists talking over mobile phones and driving their vehicles. But, a sustained awareness campaign across the city, about the dangers associated with the use of mobile phone while riding/driving, helped change the scenario. Schoolchildren, non-governmental organisations, traffic wardens and volunteers were part of the campaign. Most motorists now either do not take calls on their mobile phones while on the road.

Instances of riders wearing full mask helmets and drivers of cars fitted with tinted dark glasses using mobile phones on the road, however, continue, police admit. The police also want the government to increase the fine amounts to curb traffic violations, police said.

The Chennai traffic police, like the Mumbai police, should also examine the possibilities of detaining those caught driving under the influence of alcohol, officers suggested.

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