With fatalities on road involving pedestrians witnessing an alarming ratio, the Coimbatore City Police have started initiatives to curb the practice of jaywalking.
The police have identified 13 important locations within the limits of Coimbatore city where they will work on the field to warn and advise jaywalkers.
Lakshmi Mills junction, Chinthamani junction, State Bank Road near Coimbatore railway station, four corner junction, Sungam junction and Kovaipudur junction are among the 13 places where the police are currently conducting awareness activities.
Observing that jaywalking is causing sheer nuisance in traffic, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) S. Lakshmi said on Saturday that the problem would be dealt with through awareness activities as no provision was left to take legal action. “The awareness activities will be done jointly by the law and order and traffic police on every Saturdays.
“The police will advise those walking carelessly on busy roads and those trying to cross the road risking their life. Details of such persons will be collected,” said Ms. Lakshmi.
As on Saturday, awareness measures by the city police covered 440 persons who were ‘caught’ for jaywalking. In October alone, there were ten cases of pedestrians hit by moving vehicles, including fatal cases, in Coimbatore city.
“Negligently walking on the road talking over mobile phone or glued into mobile phone is a major concern. Walking along the median and carelessly crossing road obstructing traffic flow are also serious issues to be addressed,” said Ms. Lakshmi.
According to traffic police officials, jaywalking is rampant on Dr. Nanjappa Road, Oppanakkara Street, Cross Cut Road, Avanashi Road, Tiruchi Road and roads near Town Hall.
