The one-way traffic system, implemented by the traffic police to decongest several narrow roads in the city, has gone for a toss with drivers flouting the rules.
While the city has seen a steady increase in vehicular density over the years, the limited road infrastructure is unable to handle the traffic. People complain that the problem of traffic jam is increasing day by day. Most of the cases are related to one-way rule breaking, signal jumping and haphazard parking at many places.
The one-way rule exists only on paper at Ambalathadyar Madam Street, Rangapillai Street, Kokku Park Junction and Vellala Street. Residents said that it is common to see people driving on the wrong lane on Ambalathadayar Madam Street. The arterial Jawaharlal Nehru Street, which houses several business establishments, is the latest addition to the list. Although there is no time restriction in the rule, drivers may find that they may enter the wrong lane after 10 p.m.
VVP Nagar resident S. According to Ashwin, people violate the rule on many one-way roads. Even though traffic signals and barricades have been put up at Kokku Park Junction, drivers including motorists do not take them seriously and cause inconvenience to others. ,
‘No deterrent’
Traffic police personnel are also absent at Kokku Park Junction. With no fear of being prosecuted for traffic violations, there is no bar to deter drivers from breaking the law.
P. Devanathan of People’s Pulse, a civil society group, said many main roads in the boulevard, including Mission Street and Bharti Street, lack traffic signs.
“One case is of Mission Street. The entry of four wheelers has been banned in some parts of the road including Jawaharlal Nehru Street Junction. Despite this, due to the absence of sign boards, there is a movement of vehicles. For a first time traveler, it can be very confusing. The traffic police should coordinate with Google Maps and map the main roads of the city including one-way for better traffic management.
According to a senior police officer, the traffic police is continuously campaigning to ensure smooth movement of vehicles and notices are being sent through the court.
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