The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : Lane discipline need of the hour Readers React

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Tuesday, Jun 03, 2008
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Lane discipline need of the hour Readers React

Sir,

RTC buses, auto-rickshaws and heavy vehicles frequently criss-cross on the roads creating confusion to other road users. There should be strict implementation of lane discipline.

Moreover, action is not taken against policemen not wearing helmets while civilians are harassed.

In addition to this, most of the motorists don’t seem to be getting their vehicles checked to get the Pollution Under Check certificates (PUCs).

Kumar Shastri

South Lallaguda Dear Mr. Shastri,

We have notified lanes for slow moving vehicles along with guidelines on overtaking. Where road space permits, vehicles in the front can be overtaken from right side. This does not apply at turnings, where drivers have to necessarily slow down and allow the vehicle ahead to pass. We are booking cases where “Pollution Under Check Certificate” is not found or where drivers of two-wheelers go without helmet. In case of any specific complaint, you can mail to us. It is allotted a number and acted upon.

Sir,

Please don’t allow parking of any vehicles near Aditya Enclave where provision is made for ‘U’ turn. With cars parked on roadside, the stretch becomes narrow while taking the turn.

Paint wide white lines of 10-15 metres width before traffic lights with words ‘stop here’.

This will clear the road for easy movement of traffic.

Satyanarayana

Srinagar Colony Dear Mr. Satyanarayana,

I have been visiting the area between ESI and Panjagutta. I have advised my staff on the lines suggested by you. To prevent wrong parking stop lines will be done. I have addressed the GHMC and they are doing markings on the Somajiguda road and the work will be completed shortly.

Sir, I suggest free left turn should now be stopped at major junctions as the green signal users from the opposite side are being blocked by vehicles turning left. There is a signal for pedestrians yet neither pedestrians nor police takes notice of it. This has to be stopped. Pedestrians should cross road only on receiving their turn of signals.

This is followed in Mumbai and Delhi where pedestrians too are fined for jaywalking. At the junctions a plastic rope is tied and walkers are blocked by the police from crossing the roads till they get signals.

Arun V Bagur

Malkajgiri Dear Mr. Bagur

We are trying, first of all, to keep “free left” free from those breaking the lane system. “Free Left” traffic has also to adjust to pedestrians crossing the road. Hence, there are more than one factors calling for stopping the free flow of left wheeling traffic. We have noted your point, in this regard.

Pedestrians have to keep in view signals and flow of traffic. Our staff is being trained to stop pedestrians from trying to run across moving traffic. They can be stopped even without a rope. It is a question of training.

Dear Sir,

Most drivers are either ignorant about traffic rules and safety norms or they just do not care. Same is the case with traffic policemen. Please publish a precise set of rules in form of booklet and host a website on Internet. This should contain most important rules and penalties if violated.

Hiranjyoti Mahanta

Kondapur Dear Mr. Hiran,

There is definite need to update people and some of our boys on traffic regulations. We keep running in-service courses for our staff. However, driving licence holders are expected to know the rules. We are planning a web-site which will carry all the rules and regulations and copies of our educational posters and pamphlets.

People need to pay heed to our exhortations on Violation Free Day and even otherwise. There are a good number of barricades and hoardings with traffic messages. There are boards showing fines, as well. We are working on the lines suggested by you.

Sir,

The RTC bus drivers stop the buses in the middle of the road. Many times they jump the red signal or drive from the extreme left. Traffic police seldom seem to take any action against them. There should be a phone number to which citizens can complain against the errant bus driver’s bus number, route and time and place where the traffic violation took place.

B.K.S.Sastry

Shivam Road Dear Mr. Bhagavathula,

I agree with you that RTC buses must stop on the extreme left. Not only buses, any vehicle for that matter. But, passengers also must have the patience to wait on the edge of the road or the footpath and allow the bus, auto, or even their personal vehicle to come to the extreme left to pick up or drop. We do book RTC drivers for rash driving and causing obstruction to traffic.

Sir,

The pedestrians have a tough time trying to cross the roads at pedestrian crossings as vehicular traffic doesn’t stop & traffic policemen posted there rarely make an effort to help pedestrians cross the road. Most footpaths are being used by two wheelers & four wheelers to park their cars, hence forcing people to walk on the road.

J.R.D. Rao

Begumpet Dear Mr. Rao,

I have requested for zebra crossings at all important junctions and work is going on. We also need pelican lights for signalling pedestrians when to cross, as they keep jumping from the dividers and running through the traffic, unmindful of the danger. Encroachment on footpaths is a big nuisance. Business establishments without parking have compounded the problem. Lack of designated parking lots is another problem. We are trying to clear the encroachments.

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