Here signals don’t turn red, yellow and green; in fact they don’t work at all. Commute to the western suburbs of the city, and if you manage to navigate through the traffic, see for yourself these traffic signals that have been serving only one purpose — that of adorning the streets.
For long, residents and motorists have been complaining about non-functioning signals at places in and around Padi, Korattur and Villivakkam.
“The traffic signal near Korattur East Avenue junction on Chennai-Tiruvallur High Road has not been functioning since a fortnight,” says R. Aravindh, a college-student. When traffic police can promptly book erring motorists, why can’t they get the signals working at the earliest, he asks.
Thousands of motorists take this arterial road to reach Avadi, Pattabiram and Thirunindravur. According to an MTC bus conductor, there is heavy traffic bottleneck during peak hours and it takes very long to cross the intersection.
A visit to the areas revealed that every alternate signal either malfunctions or the timers do not work. Traffic signal near CMDA office in Egmore has been out for months now, with motorists violating traffic rules.
“The signal at Vanagaram Road intersection on CTH Road has not been functioning,” says K. Uma of Ayappakkam Housing Board. “Motorists find it difficult to join the traffic on CTH Road as the entry point is more than 100 metres wide. I brought it to the notice of the traffic police, but nothing has been done,” she adds.
Crossing the thoroughfare is an ordeal for the pedestrians. “Vehicles do not stop for pedestrians to cross the roads. The authorities concerned should repair the traffic and pedestrian signal at the earliest,” said V.R. Vaishnavi of Mangalapuram.
A.S. Kumar of Korattur says: “Installation of a traffic and pedestrian signal alone would not help regulate the traffic as motorists and pedestrians do not follow rules. After 9 p.m., people do not bother to stop at traffic signals.”
Even signals with power backup have not been working because of insufficient power to charge the batteries. Though a cost effective approach, the battery lasts only for four hours. In case of longer power cuts, the signals stop working. Turning to solar-powered UPS would be expensive, costing around Rs. 1.5 to 2 lakhs per signal. Under such situations, traffic police are forced to regulate the movement of traffic.
Meanwhile, a senior police official said that his department was in the know of the issue and action would be taken at the earliest. Until then adequate policemen will man the signals, he assured.
