Hurdles along the way

There are mixed opinions on traffic cops managing the flow of vehicles manually during rains

The traffic problems in the City seem to be never ending and with the rainy season here, the congestion has only got worse. A common sight on the roads is cops turning off the traffic signals and managing the flow of vehicles manually.

Many people say that this only adds to the traffic congestion, especially during peak hours and when it rains.

Metrolife interacted with the Bangalore Traffic Police and people to understand the situation.

A traffic official points out that the traffic personnel resort to manually directing the vehicles only during emergency situations and VVIP movement.

He concedes that there is a severe shortage of traffic police. “We never have 100
per cent staff strength.

The required staff to manage the ever-growing traffic in the City is approximately 5,500 cops but we have only 2,900 traffic police personnel,” he says.  

He points out that the signal lights are switched off and the traffic is manually managed only during peak hours in the morning and between 5 pm and 7 pm.

“There are 4,45,300 vehicles in the City. This includes all types of vehicles and there’s no
control on the increasing number of vehicles in the City,” he says.

“The signal lights are left on throughout the day and we resort to manual operation only in the evening,” he points out. Whatever the reasoning, it is the laymen who are at the receiving end, especially when it rains.

People say that both the manual operation and signal lights have advantages and disadvantages.

Nafees, a student, finds manual operation better than signal lights. “When it rains, people
tend to jump the signal, which may cause accidents. Manual operation is useful during rains,” Nafees reasons.  

Abhicharan, a professional, feels automated signals are systematic and error-
free.

“When it rains, the two-wheeler riders are the worst hit and they tend to overspeed to reach the destination. In such situations, manual operation makes sense. In normal situations, signals do a better job,” he adds.
 
Some people, like Abhijit Nadagouda, feel signal lights are virtually invisible when it rains.

He feels a siren, just like the one for pedestrian crossing, could be installed at all signals.
“People will automatically slow down when they hear the siren. Signals can remain but I think the presence of a cop will prevent people from jumping these, especially when it is raining,” Abhijit concludes.