Lt. Governor Kiran Bedi took an incognito ride around the city in a private car to find that sections of traffic police were negligent on the job apart from detecting systemic flaws.
According to the Raj Nivas, the Lt. Governor undertook the incognito visit to various traffic intersections during the peak hour in view of the dire need for traffic regulation in the city.
Significantly, Ms. Bedi observed that deployment of traffic police was missing in most parts of East Coast Road. Even at points, where the police personnel were seen, it was noted that they were not doing their duty properly.
“They were either standing on the sides or were standing with their backs to traffic not watching/regulating traffic flow,” Ms. Bedi noted.
Besides, no senior officer was seen patrolling or on the move to check the traffic system during the peak hour. The absence of checking system by senior officers has probably led to the present state of indisciplined traffic management, the Lt. Governor said.
No clear view
According to Ms. Bedi, some traffic signals were dim and had not been cleaned for a long time. Moreover, they were also positioned at an awkward height hampering easy visibility, or were shrouded by advertisements or overgrown tree branches.
Ms. Bedi said that at some places, roads crossing the medians were right near the signals and also had no signages.
Later, the Lt. Governor convened a meeting with traffic officers and called for immediate redressal of deficiencies in traffic management.
‘Ensure smooth flow’
Officers were told that the traffic flow during peak hours had to be smooth without resort to prosecution — which should be reserved for off-peak hours.
Raj Nivas said that the Lt. Governor would continue these surprise checks. Public are also requested to report any traffic violation to toll free numbers 1031 or 100 or offer their suggestions/complaints in the Open House held from Monday to Wednesday at 5 p.m. without any prior appointment.
