The recent case of a pillion rider who was mowed down by a heavy vehicle has put the spotlight on the safety of road users in North Chennai, particularly those traversing Thiruvottiyur High Road. Commuters say that the road does not have adequate streetlights and speed breakers.
The surrounding areas like Kasimedu and Royapuram are frequented by container lorries, that transport goods to the Chennai Port.
Krishnan, one of the shopkeeper on T H Road says, “Most of the lorry drivers drive the vehicles carelessly.”
According to a traffic policeman in the area: “Both the container and tipper lorries aren’t maintained properly. Moreover, when the officials delay permitting the container lorries, it leads to heavy traffic jam. Consequently, we have to divert other vehicles. While diverting the vehicles, accidents may happen, since the roads are very narrow.”
Traders of Kasimedu, Royapuram and T H Road said that North Chennai served as one of the major trade and revenue point, but the authorities were yet to take any safety measures.
When City Express contacted a CCTP Traffic Enforcement Wing official, he said, “Compared to the number last year (76 cases), the accidents on T H Road are less this year. We don’t allow all container lorries, only general carrier lorries are permitted in the night. The road expansion works pertaining to T H Road and other core parts of North Chennai are nearing completion. When the works are over, the rate of accidents will come down. Moreover, two wheelers and four wheelers are in a rush during peak hours and this is a major cause for accidents.”