Ten tips for traffic discipline

We've spent crores of taka in building over-bridges but failed to stop traffic with a simple signal. We see no sign of pedestrians using the zebra crossings due to the moving traffic not halting to allow them that privilege.

We have also been wishy-washy in taking a resolute stand to effect traffic discipline, but gleefully wasted manpower by putting on duty thousands of cops whose hand signals do little to control passing vehicles and a sea of pedestrians.

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We can hardly wait further for some miracle to take care of our street unruliness and intolerable congestion that make nightmarish experience of our desire to commute with peace.

Especially, the delay in Dhaka streets is so painful that many parents prefer putting their children in dormitory due to the danger of commuting from homes within even the RAJUK area.

The following ten tips for restoring traffic discipline are not only desirable, they're indispensable. (1) Activation of automated traffic lights and signals in all city intersections; (2) Ensuring zebra crossing or over-bridge usage by all pedestrians; (3) Scaling down of big islands into 'small is beautiful' islets; (4) Construction of more roads within the city and diversion tracks from the main choking points like Kachpur-Demra, Tongi-Uttara, Gabtali-Savar, Jatrabari-Narayanganj to avoid overpressure on a single approach to the city from outside; (5) Construction of underground bypasses at level crossings; (6) Installation of video camera at major intersections to spot traffic signal violators; (7) Creation of small courts all over the country to adjudicate cases of traffic violations with video evidence and police testimony; (8) Construction of separate lanes for public transport (bus, taxi) and rickshaw on every wider road; (9) Mandatory attendance to government approved driving schools of all aspiring drivers seeking licence; (10)Creation of an independent authority to adjudge drivers' quality before issuing licence.

Who pays for it? The system itself, and the taxpayers. Violators can be penalised until the system becomes functionally effective. Donors too might be consulted for development funds. The city corporations can save enough by not constructing any more islands and over bridges. And, the gain from saved time and rehabilitated image cannot be measured in terms of money.

The 'traffic terror' deters foreign businessmen and tourists. It suffocates our own lives. It's a shame for the nation.