Natpac to identify black spots

Experts will look into reasons behind the incidents and suggest remedies

The National Transportation Planning and Research Centre (Natpac) is all set to commission a study to identity accident black spots on roads in the city. The process will begin in April.

Speaking to The Hindu on Wednesday, Natpac Director B.G. Sreedevi said the study would entail analysis of accidents and deaths during the last three years.

“Accident black spots need not be an exact point but may be a stretch running into a few kilometres. If many deaths have taken place on the same stretch, it will be considered an accident black spot,” Ms. Sreedevi said.

Safety auditors to study

Once the spots are identified, a Natpac team, comprising road safety auditors, highway engineers and road safety experts, will examine them.

They will look into the reasons for a stretch turning into an accident black sport and suggest remedies.

“Reports complete with recommendations on rectifying black spots will be submitted to the Public Works Department or the National Highway Authority of India,” Ms. Sreedevi said.

Kochi has witnessed a rapid rise in vehicular population, and the number of deaths due to accidents has gone up proportionately.

The Kochi traffic police had recently identified black spots in the city, includingthe busy Atlantis, Cheranalloor, Palarivattom and Vyttila junctions.