BENGALURU: For most Bengalureans, the concept of road responsibility is alien. It means reaching their destination at whatever cost and whatever methods that appeals to them. In such an atmosphere, enforcing rules falls entirely on the traffic police who rely on fines for curbing such offences. Paltry fines of `100 and a little more for offences like parking in no-parking zones, jumping signals and other minor
offences seem to be inadequate for instilling traffic discipline.
More and more surveillance cameras are being installed, policemen are being deputed at troublesome junctions, bus stands that congest traffic signals are being moved and yet, the congestion seems to be improving only marginally. For instance, the construction of bus bays has not proceeded as rapidly as expected and the problem of issuing commercial licences in residential areas or issuing licences for commercial purposes without checking if they are providing adequate parking facilities to customers is one of the most pressing problems in the city today.
In addition, clearing of pavements of construction debris and vendors also creates problems.
A senior traffic official says that the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), which issues licences to commercial properties, is not interested in hearing the problems of the police who have no authority to deal with these issues. “We are told to do our job, while they will take care of theirs. They don’t seem to be doing a very good job of it,” the officer remarked.
Solution
Lack of cooperation among different agencies has to be addressed. At present, one does not know what the other agency is doing. BBMP must cancel the licences of those violating basement parking rules. This will immediately solve at least 10-15 per cent of traffic congestion
— Lokesh Hebbani, Urban planning and ransportation expert