Come rain or shine, it is the manual over-ride button in signal junctions that comes in handy for traffic police to regulate the traffic flow. Despite the ongoing project of installing ‘intelligent’ signalling system - Hyderabad Traffic Integrated Management System (H-TRIMS) to keep a track of traffic volume, traffic cops swear by the efficiency of manual control.
The combination of manual signalling system and continuous monitoring of the situation through hand-held radio-sets are the most important aspects that can control traffic during emergencies, city traffic chief Amit Garg said.
“It was through these two that we could manage the deluge of traffic flow during the recent period when incessant rains battered the city,” he explained. While self regulating traffic systems, like H-TRIMS project, are important to achieve better and intelligent traffic management system, manual over-ride facility comes in handy to tackle emergencies, he observed.
Physical presence
The manual over-ride button also helps cops in managing VIP and VVIP movements. “Everything said and done, it is the physical presence of police personnel that helps in controlling such situations,” another police official observed.
Traffic management could be different for each junction and has to be tackled as per the requirement. While traffic flow could be estimated to a large extent and signals can be programmed as per requirement, during the time of emergencies, police presence is mandatory, it is explained.
Also, during rains there is a possibility of signals failing due to the power cuts since power backup facility (UPS) is not available at all junctions. Presence of a cop is a must during such time too, the official said. “People automatically follow traffic rules by the mere presence of traffic police and during emergencies this phenomenon is even more pronounced,” he added.