JOIN USNow, traffic alerts on signboards
The Variable Message Signboards help alert travelling public about prevailing condition on roads ahead and also help them choose alternative directions to reach their destination.
Four VMS were commissioned at Raja Ram Mohan Roy Road, Airport Road at Hebbal (two signboards - one towards airport and another towards City) and K R Puram (towards City). These boards are connected to Traffic Management Centre (TMC) using BSNL connectivity.
After inaugurating the VMS at Raja Ram Mohan Roy Road, Home Minister V S Acharya said the City traffic police will install another 16 VMS soon.
“The City police have utilised funds sanctioned under B-Track. They have shown other states how technology can be used to give relief to road users. Top police brass of other states are likely to visit Bangalore to study initiatives introduced by the traffic police here,” the Home Minister added.
Rs 120 crore utilised
City Police Commissioner Shankar Bidari said the City police have utilised Rs 120 crore in the last three years under B-Track project. The police have installed 179 traffic monitoring cameras, five enforcing cameras, converted 150 signals into self-activated signals, set up automated traffic corridor on Hebbal-Devanahalli Road and developed 80 junctions. Another 16 VMS will be completed within August 15, he added.
DG & IGP Ajai Kumar Singh stressed the importance of coordination between traffic police and agencies like BBMP, BDA, BWSSB, BESCOM and BMTC to ensure smooth traffic flow. He requested the road users to follow lane discipline to ensure orderly behaviour on roads.
How does it work?
VMS help commuters from getting stuck in traffic jams by flashing alerts using inputs of surveillance cameras and wireless connected to TMC. Surveillance cameras keep updating prevailing traffic congestion and conditions. VMS flash alerts about any accidents, potholes, leaking pipes, repair works, road blockades, rallies, processions, etc. The VMS will also remind commuters about road safety messages.
The VMS are placed on entrances to the City. The upcoming VMS will be located at such junctions where commuters have choices of routes for the same destination.
VMS on Raja Ram Mohan Roy Road is three metre wide, while five others are of five metres. Imago Group, which has placed 2,500 such boards in 40 countries, is installing these boards.
DH News Service
Flight alerts on Airport Road
The Traffic police have decided to flash alerts about delayed arrival and departure of flights on VMS on Hebbal-Airport Road.
“Many accidents take place on this stretch as drivers drive fast in order to ensure that the passengers do not miss their flights. Alerts about delayed arrival/departure of flights will help drivers and passengers,” said Additional Commissioner (Traffic & Safety) Praveen Sood.
Home Minister V S Acharya directed the City police to involve schools to help children get acquainted with traffic system. The schoolchildren can visit Traffic Management Centre on Sundays where the police can inform them about traffic system, road safety and driving norms. This will ensure safe driving in future,” he noted.