Hump-type speed-breaker on both ends, laser beams and blinkers on the height barriers may prevent heavy vehicles taking Sitabuldi flyover. These are the suggestions by Janakrosh which has been constantly working in the sector of road safety measures. Public Works Department’s World Bank Unit installs height barriers at Sitabuldi flyover and the same are damaged by heavy vehicles the very next day. This has become a regular feature. Once damaged, heavy vehicles keep plying on the flyover posing threat to not only the other commuters but also to the structure of the flyover.

 

To curb this particular issue, PWD and city police had come up with a solution. And it also did not work. To put an end to the problem, a meeting had been convened last week involving officials from PWD, police and other stakeholders and two representatives of Janakrosh -- Prakash Khandekar and Dr Ashok Karandikar. In the meeting, Khandekar and Karandikar presented suggestions which were liked by the officials. They both also suggested that the full expenditure of the height barriers should be incurred from the owner of the vehicle that breaks the height barrier. Janakrosh team suggested, “The drawing shows on one end of traffic namely Rahate Colony end identical work will be required to be done at the Morris College end.

 

As will be seen there has to be a multipronged action plan. Unique suggestions are highlighted.” Dr Karandikar explained, “Safety signs as per IRC guidelines indicating speed-breaker ahead; speed limit; No heavy vehicles allowed; No cyclists allowed; No overtaking; Height barrier ahead should be located on the left side of the carriageway. Identical set of safety signs be placed on the right hand side of the carriageway at the divider. In India we drive right hand drive vehicles and the safety sign on the right hand side will be easily visible to the drivers.” CCTV cameras all the flyover be installed to detect overspeeding. Safety signs, camera and blinking lights on height barrier. These will help bar entry of heavy vehicle on the flyover. Khandekar elaborated, “Hump-type speed-breakers as per IRC standards will not damage the vehicle but jolt out the driver from slumber to slow down. Rumble strips fail to alert the driver most often. It is suggested that laser beam at a height of 3 meters with bell may be installed so that when it is crossed by a vehicle, it will make a loud sound to alert the driver to slow down. The laser beam will not work if vehicles below 3 meter pass from the spot.”

 

This will prevent entry of heavy vehicle on the flyover and protect the height barrier from any damage. Also, traffic police can alert drivers of heavy vehicles from taking the flyover.

 

 

Janakrosh recommended strong penal action which make will the violators respect traffic laws. If a vehicle damages the Government property like height barriers, safety signs, cameras, laser installation etc., the driver should be made to pay for the repairs on “full recovery of loss” basis to discourage violations. This would be similar to a principle of ‘polluter pays’ in the Environment laws. Dr Karandikar also pointed out, “Application of Prevention of damage to the Public Property Act should also be insisted upon. Recovery apparatus has to be strengthened.”