War on traffic violations: Hyd police draw action plan to ease traffic flow

Hyderabad: In the wake of blatant violations of traffic rules and encroachments on most of the major roads in the city, including national highways passing through the city, the Hyderabad city police have come up with a Traffic Action Plan to improve the free flow of traffic which in turn will improve the quality of life.

Briefing about the action plan, the city police commissioner, C.V Anand, explained the ongoing operation—ROPE or Removal of Obstructive Parking and Encroachments. Hinting at a hawkish stance on enforcement, Mr. Anand said more towing cranes will be pressed into service to clear the roads.

"Since the Covid-19 outbreak, the steep rise in individual vehicles, both two-wheelers and cars, has been the prime cause of the increase in congestion on city roads. As compared to 2019, the number of vehicles increased to almost 18% in 2022 and the total number of vehicles plying on roads is about 77,65,487. The volume of traffic complaints being reported to the Dial 100 helpline has also increased," said Mr. Anand.

In lieu of quantity, emphasis will be on quality enforcement, and the impact of any method on people complying with traffic rules will be analyzed. During peak hours, all senior officers will focus on regulation. Stop-line discipline will be strictly enforced. Stringent measures will be initiated against commuters resorting to wrong-side driving, triple riding, improper number plates, black films, etc.

Of the total built-up area, under the norms laid under GO 168, residential apartments and education institutions should allocate 30% while hotels, lodges, and commercial buildings should allocate 40%, and malls and multiplexes 60% as parking spaces.

Junction development, erecting signage boards at free lefts, providing a safe turning radius at u-turns, and adopting reversible lanes as per the traffic flow will be studied and implemented as part of engineering measures. Following frequent complaints from the residents of colonies about congestion on internal roads, the city police have decided to extend their focus to address such issues. Reviving bus bays, relocating bus stops, and marking measures to improve road signage will be initiated soon.

More officers at junctions

The police commissioner introduced a 4th "E"— Enablement—in traffic management with an enhanced focus to cater to the welfare needs of the traffic personnel through regular health camps, kit bags, and continuous capacity building at the Traffic Training institute. With the allotment of 40 SIs and inspectors of the 2010 batch, the traffic wing has been further strengthened. Around 100 home guards and 100 women personnel from the City Armed Reserve (CAR) will be deployed for traffic duties to cover more junctions.

Public support to ensure success

Finally, seeking the cooperation of commuters, especially drivers of private and public transport vehicles, Mr. Anand said the proposed action plan for better traffic management can succeed only if the public extends their full support to traffic police personnel. The city police have decided to hold regular meetings with establishments, hawkers, schools, colleges, auto drivers, RTC drivers, and all stakeholders to sensitise them on road rules and parking norms. After carrying out education campaigns, special enforcement drives will be started to keep a tab on errant violators. The social media unit of the traffic wing will scale up digital education campaigns to reach out to more youngsters through awareness videos, sessions, etc.

ATC, which is part of the Integrated Traffic Management System, will be implemented across the city, said the city police chief. He also unveiled the new logo of the traffic wing.

A.V. Ranganath, joint CP traffic; Sri Karunakar, DCP Traffic; additional DCPs, all traffic officers, and other officers were present.

Just a week back, the Hyderabad traffic police booked a case against four furniture shops in Lakdikapul for encroaching upon the footpath and road from Ayodhya junction to Nirankari junction. They had placed their cane furniture items like chairs, tables, and other items on the main road and footpath which is actually meant for pedestrians and to ensure free flow of traffic.