Helmet rule
While unveiling a draft plan on crime prevention and road safety at Kamban Kalai Arangam, Inspector General of Police, Praveer Ranjan has stated that helmets for motorcycle riders in Puducherry would be made compulsory soon.
In this regard, I wish to point out that this rule is simply unnecessary as far as the city limits of Puducherry are concerned. If Indira Gandhi statue is taken as the central point, it is a city of just 4 km radius where the vehicular congestion is very high. Further, there are signals and speed breakers at short distances. Hence, speed driving is not possible here. The traffic police may act on punishing the traffic rule violators. It is also a fact that helmet wearing causes ear pain, headache and other health problems for senior citizens.
B.Balasubramanian,
Lawspet, Puducherry
Road safety
With the arrival of the new Lieutenant Governor, it looks like things are falling in place in Puducherry. Road safety plan for the Union Territory is a welcome move. It is true that most of the victims are pedestrians or motorists. But, the root cause for all the problems is driving after the consumption of alcohol. This problem has been left unnoticed by the proposed plan.
Many tourists visit the town during weekends to have a taste of our liquor. Also, 75 per cent of Puducherry men also consume liquor and go rash driving on the roads, which not only puts his life at stake but also others. I have been a resident of Puducherry for the past 24 years but I have not come across any check on this. I suggest that drunk driving be made an offence in the road safety plan. This would reduce the number of accidents.
Boobalan Anbumani,
Muthirayarpalayam
Ease traffic
The parallel roads to Nehru Street in Puducherry, especially Chetty Street, Vysial Street and Rangapillai Street are full of parked vehicles, two-wheelers and small mini lorries on either side of the road.
Those who drive through these roads find it very difficult to reach their destination. Driving through these roads has become a nightmare for them.
The roads have become so narrow that even a cyclist and auto rickshaw cannot pass without difficulty.
The traffic authority should look into this matter seriously and ease the traffic flow in these areas.
Premalalitha Shankar,
Puducherry