KOCHI: The traffic police have introduced ‘free left U-turn system’ at major junctions and signals to reduce hassles in the city Finally, the traffic police have found a fool-proof solution to the traffic hassles plaguing the city. The ‘free left U-turn system’ which was put in place by the police as part of construction activities at Palarivattom Junction, Vytilla Junction, Edapally, High Court Junction, South Overbridge, North Overbridge and AL Jacob Flyovers has immensely found favour among the public who state that congestion has brought down on the National Highways and city roads.
The new arrangements facilitate commuters to skip signals at the junctions and take free lefts and U-turns and avoid unnecessary traffic blocks.
The reform also includes shifting of bus stops, which is expected to bring down the traffic hassles to a larger extent.
Arul R B Krishna, deputy district police chief L&O and Traffic who spearheaded the project said, ” Our aim is to avoid bottlenecks and to divert traffic to arterial roads. We are still experimenting with new possibilities and are extremely happy about the positive assesment from the public,” said Arul R.
Public feedback
According to the public, the new regulations have helped save money and time. “Now, we are able to save a lot of time now. Earlier we had to stop for 15-20 minutes at traffic signals. Through this new regulation, we can comfortably avoid the traffic by taking free lefts and U-turns. We don’t mind the little extra we have to travel,” said Abraham a motorist.
Private bus owners and KSRTC drivers are full of praise for the new regulations. “ We may have to run an extra kilometer or two, but this is a necessary alternative. The traffic police have finally reacted to our long pending pleas. We are willing to cooperate further,” said M B Satyan, state president, Kerala Bus Operator’s Association. Speaking about the traffic regulations, most of the reforms are temporary and have been implemented owing to the ongoing construction works. The traffic regulations at Palarivattom, Edapally and High Court Junction will be rolled back once the flyovers are thrown open to the public. But some regulations like those imposed on South Over Bridge and North Over Bridge may be continued further,” said Arul R, deputy district police chief L&O and Traffic.
Draws flak
The lack of cooperation between PWD, Kochi Corporation and the police have drawn flak by users of the Vyttila signal. The traffic regulation has created barriers for smooth movement of traffic at the subway as the Corporation is yet to remove encroachments in the area. The residents also staged a protest against this issue.
” We have brought the issue to the council’s notice but no steps have been initiated so far. The authorities have been asked to arrange an early U-turn at Vytilla as commuters are forced to travel till Thaikkudam for the U-turn which many feel is a little long,” said Shine, corporation councilor. “We are holding talks with National Highway Authorities of India (NHAI) and Kerala Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) to further facilitate unimpeded traffic flow. We are open to suggestions,” added Arul R.
When contact, Mayor Soumini Jain said that action would be taken against the encroachments at the subway.
News Source : The New Indian Express
Photo : Melton Antony
