TIRUCHY: Even though the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPD) Act, 2016, and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), 2008, of which India is a signatory, mandate the installation of audio features on traffic signals to assist visually challenged pedestrians, such acoustic features elude the traffic signals in Tiruchy city.
According to the RPD Act, audio features are a must on traffic signals as they would enable visually challenged pedestrians to easily navigate through the roads. The basic audio features would include announcements such as "walk" and "wait." P Maruthapandian, a visually impaired person, said the pedestrian crossing is a strenuous task for them as they have to seek assistance every time they cross roads, many times causing inconvenience to others.
"Audio features need to be installed on the traffic signals as it would make it easier for us to cross roads without seeking assistance from passersby. Instead of playing songs through the speakers in pedestrian crossings, the authorities should mull disabled-friendly features on crossroads, including traffic directions," said Maruthapandian.
A Ammavasai, a Person with Disabilities (PwDs) from Tiruchy, echoed the views. He said, "The visually impaired are more vulnerable to road accidents, particularly during the peak hours. Roadside encroachments and flat speed breakers pose danger to us." An official of the district differently abled welfare department said, "A proposal has to be sent to the state government to set up audio assistance features in traffic signals.
Steps are yet to be taken." B Joseph Nixon, assistant commissioner (Tiruchy north traffic police), "Speakers were set up in 12 traffic signals in the city to play songs. An acoustic traffic system would be put in place to assist PwDs once we get directions from the higher authorities."