Editorial
New measures on the road
Enforcement of traffic rules is what matters
The authorities plan on taking new and more stringent measures towards handling traffic rule violations on the roads. It is a move that should have come sooner since a lax observance of rules and an imposition of nominal fines for violations have really done little to streamline vehicular movement. One cannot but agree with the authorities that raising minimum fines for various violations of traffic rules is now an absolute necessity if there is to be a deterrent to bad or flawed driving or a wrong plying of vehicles on city roads.
There are quite a number of aspects which must be studied before any tightening of traffic rules is considered. In the first place, provisions must be there for drivers to be made aware of road regulations. This can be done through ensuring that they are fully and professionally trained for their job. The unfortunate reality is that a very large number of drivers on our streets do not appear to be aware of some very basic rules of the road, such as keeping to particular lanes or overtaking other vehicles. In the second place, there are the many instances of a gross overturning or ignoring of rules on the part of both drivers and traffic personnel. All too often, vehicles do not come to a stop, for quite a long while, even if the lights on their path have gone red. If that is one problem, there is another which usually comes up when constables and sergeants take it upon themselves to direct traffic on their own inclinations irrespective of what the traffic signals indicate. Such methods of work generally lead to tailbacks and then a huge congestion. There is then, of course, the lackadaisical application of rules relating to the use of dilapidated, soot-spewing vehicles. The rules must come down hard on such vehicles. And that depends on the presence of truly professional traffic policemen on the roads.
Any application of traffic rules must also aim at minimising traffic congestion. Multi-storied buildings, whether residential or commercial, must by law be compelled to have parking spaces. There must be guarantees that rules relating to such buildings, parking spaces and all, are adhered to as they appear in original plans. Where bus stoppages are the matter, let them be positioned away from traffic intersections. Finally, while a strict enforcement of rules and imposition of heightened fines are welcome, let care be taken that they do not open up a fresh new avenue of corruption for our traffic policemen.
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