The social media accounts of Visakhapatnam city police are flooded with hundreds of ideas from people reacting to the invitation of Police Commissioner Manish Kumar Sinha for suggestions on how to solve traffic problems in the city.
Most of the respondents have asked the police commissioner to impose some control on auto-rickshaws.
He alleged that due to lack of discipline in parking, lane driving and rash driving on city roads, three wheelers are causing trouble to the users of other vehicles.
‘Divert heavy vehicles’
Social media users also suggested the police to start encouraging CNG-based auto-rickshaws, as oversized autorickshaws are occupying a large stretch of roads and will also reduce pollution.
Respondents also urged the police to ban heavy vehicles on city roads during peak hours and suggested that they be moved on BRTS roads from the Anandapuram-Anakapalle Highway or Hanumanthuvaka Junction. He said that this step will not only reduce traffic jams, but will also control road accidents on city roads. The citizens also demanded the Police Commissioner to take strict action against the RTC bus drivers and not stop the vehicles at the designated bus stops. Several respondents suggested implementation of one-way routes in some areas and also looked into the possibility of implementing ‘no vehicle zones’ in congested parts. Many also urged the Commissioner of Police to remove the road barricades put up on NH-16.
People also asked the police to start proper use of BRTS roads in the city. He also complained of traffic jams on some stretches of BRTS road from NAD Junction to Gopalapatnam and Swarn Bharathi Indoor Stadium Junction due to improper use of the road.
Most of the suggestions focused on lack of parking space and encroachment of roads by hawkers and vendors. He also pointed out that adequate parking space was not being provided by the owners of shops, restaurants, coaching institutes and offices. There were also suggestions on road engineering at Siripuram Junction, Swarn Bharati Junction and PM Palem Junction, as the current system is confusing to users, especially pedestrians. Citizens also suggested construction of more flyovers, FOBs and fines for violators. The citizen also urged the Commissioner of Police to increase the awareness programme.
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