A good initiative pelican signal goes awry

The ‘pelican signal’ in Mehdipatnam, a first-of-its-kind in the city that took about five years to come into effect, has proved to be ineffective due to lack of a monitoring mechanism. The mechanism binds the pedestrians only when cops try enforcing it. Most of the times the crossing continues to have haphazard situation with traffic logjams.

Following demolition of the Foot-over-Bridge (FoB) as part of constructing PVNR Expressway, the initiative was taken up to help pedestrians cross the arterial road of Mehdipatnam. Being the one of the major transit points for those who have to catch RTC buses, the crossing had proved to be a major choking point during the last decade, risking the lives of many a pedestrians.

“Then it was major hurdle for both pedestrians and motorists, but the initiative has helped achieve reduce the problem. Pedestrians who regularly cross know the norms, some stick to it while some others flout,” believes, Md Asif, degree student.

Suresh Raju of Vaada Foundation working on roads safety described this as a good initiative, however, he feels enforcement is a major concern. According to him, the enforcement can only happen when an initiative is taken in 360 degree perspective through education, enforcement and proper engineering. “People must be educated, as only awareness amongst people would help achieve the objective,” feels, Suresh.

While other pedestrian rights activists like Kantimati Kannan strongly believes that lack of ‘holding area’ (traffic island) on both sides has its own risks for pedestrians. While acknowledging this to be a good initiative and pilot project in the city, she said that the pedestrians feel ‘scared’ of heavy vehicles (buses) and autos, which restrict their movement.

“Since there is no ‘holding area’ on both sides to protect pedestrians being hit by a vehicle, they try to cross over to other side, in haste. They are scared that something might hit, which is reason primary reason. In addition to awareness through graphics, the civic authorities should consider providing safe spots on both sides and open up at least one such cross on the stretch,” she said.

ACP Traffic (West and Central Zone), P Jaipal, said that the cops were doing their best to control the situation. But people should also cooperate in this pilot project. “There is a need of awareness amongst the masses. We are trying to enforce during major part of the time,” he said.

By Md Nizamuddin