Residents of Pammal and Pozhichalur and motorists who take the Pozhichalur Main Road regularly have requested the State Highways Department and the Chennai Traffic Police to ensure speed breakers are constructed on the stretch. The stretch, which comes under the jurisdiction of the State Highways Department, is relatively free of congestion during the day. However, during rush hour, it witnesses considerable vehicular movement. A few motorists jump lanes, posing a threat to the safety of pedestrians and motorists coming travelling in the opposite direction.
“Speeding is the major cause of accidents on this stretch. It would be of much help to pedestrians and motorists if speed-breakers were laid on it. The speed breakers should be painted in bright colours with reflectors so that they care visible at night. Also, the speed-breakers must be placed close to where streetlights are, to ensure greater visibility,” V. Francis, a motorist, said. Besides the lack of speed breakers, the stretch does not have a designated walkers’ pathway.
“Visitors to the commercial establishments that line the stretch park their vehicles in a haphazard manner. Pedestrians are forced to walk in the carriageway. So, if speed breakers are laid, motorists would slow down, which would ensure some safety for pedestrians,” S. Shalini Radhakrishnan, a resident of Pasumpon Nagar, said. When contacted, the officials of the State Highways Department said, “We have received several representations from residents as well as motorists. We would soon be working in close co-ordination with the Chennai Traffic Police and lay speed breakers.”
