Zebra crossing goes moot

Kukatpally: Despite there being a zebra crossing at a popular junction here, the absence of a traffic signal on the stretch, which lies opposite to the BJP office, is forcing pedestrians to cross the road amidst moving vehicles thereby putting their life at risk.

One of the busiest areas in the city, Kukatpally is a known hub of business centres and professionals. For most people, it takes over five to ten minutes to cross the road due to the lack of signal as motorists keep zooming through. According to locals, there are no traffic cops on the junction to ensure safe passage for both parties involved.

Addressing the woes of motorists, however, T Tripthi a motorist said, “Driving a vehicle in heavy traffic is a herculean task and people keep coming in the middle of the road. Since, there is no signal or cop here, we feel no obligation to stop.”

Meanwhile, a pedestrian Vishal Singh Rathore rued that motorists must have common sense as to when to hit the brakes. “I travel on this road regularly and there is heavy traffic jam on the stretch every other day, which is worse during peak hours.

The zebra crossing here is of no use and it is a waste of time waiting for motorists to stop for us,” he said. V Kumar, another person who uses the stretch regularly added, “It is surprising to see that authorities failed to install a signal here. There will be no use of a zebra crossing in the absence of traffic signal.”

According to locals, accidents in the area increased at the busy junction more so because no one has the patience to wait, be it pedestrians or motorists.