PORVORIM: Pedestrians across the State have been subjected severe inconvenience while crossing roads, courtesy, motorists who halt their vehicles on zebra crossings.
Traffic rules mandate that no motorist should stop his or her vehicle on pedestrian crossings; that they slow down while approaching a pedestrian crossing. The fine for halting on a stop line or violation of zebra crossings is Rs 100.
Locals and commuters opine that the traffic department should ensure that the common man is not harassed and the motorists halt their vehicles in a manner that pedestrians have sufficient space to cross the junctions safely. Some do not even know that they have to slow down while approaching a pedestrian crossing and give way to the person crossing the road.
Despite there being a zebra crossing near Mall de Goa in Porvorim, traffic doesn’t stop at that spot making it difficult for pedestrian to cross. And at the O’Coqueiro junction, motorists halt on the pedestrian lines.
A local suggested that the traffic cell should install a camera at zebra crossings and signals to identify erring motorists.
“People do not stop their vehicles for others to cross and hence there is a need for traffic police to be posted at major junctions. However, one cannot deny that the Traffic Cell does not have enough manpower to depute officers at every zebra crossing,” a local said.
Traffic DySP Dharmesh Angle told Herald that his department is taking action daily basis at O’Coqueiro junction. A fine of Rs 100 is being imposed on those halting on zebra crossing.
“The Traffic PI has been asked to monitor this issue and personally remain present. Those violating the zebra crossing here are being fined. Physical presence is the only way out. The coastal areas are flooded with vehicles. I do agree that these are important junctions and at O’Coqueiro I am deputing sufficient staff, but it is not possible to keep someone there round the clock,” Angle said.
“During the peak hours, I tell my staff to remain there and conduct out checking. We welcome suggestions, if any, on how to deal with those violating the zebra crossing,” he added.
