On July 11, a group of residents sent an SMS to the City Police Commissioner’s complaint cell, using a common mobile number. In the text message, they made a request that the defunct traffic signal on the Tirumangalam – Ambattur Industrial Estate Main Road in Officers’ Colony be repaired at the earliest.
The message however failed to yield any significant result; the Tirumangalam traffic police visited the spot but there was no immediate action.
It’s been over a month since the traffic signal became defunct and residents of Officers’ Colony, TVS Colony and Anna Nagar Western Extension have made several representations to the Tirumangalam traffic police personnel, seeking that the digital signal be repaired.
As there was no response from the local police, they decided to raise the issue at the higher level.
They apprised the Police Commissioner A.K. Viswanathan of the matter. Additionally, heads of Anna Nagar Western Extension Residents Welfare Association sent separate SMS complaints — which The Hindu has seen — to the city’s police chief through the common mobile number.
Following the complaint to the Police Commissioner, as temporary relief, the Tirumangalam traffic police repaired a small signal beneath the main automatic traffic signal, which was installed seven years ago.
However, residents and motorists continue to insist on having the main automatic traffic signal, as it helps motorists see the signal from a distance of around 200 metres.
“The junction is the key link connecting important neighbourhoods, which include Mogappair, Ambattur, Padi and Anna Nagar, with each other and also to the rest of the city. As many schools are located in the vicinity of the junction, a functional traffic signal will ensure the safety of school students and other road users,” points out V. Rajagopal, president, Anna Nagar Western Extension Phase-2 Residents’ Welfare Association.
Motorists prefer this stretch to the Ambattur Industrial Estate Main Road and the Jawaharlal Nehru (J.N) Main Road. Further, the stretch is also a key route for MTC buses including small buses. During rush hour, on the the stretch between Tirumangalam and Golden Flats, chaos rules. Now, the defunct traffic signal has led to traffic snarls and accidents.
