Glaring cantilever signals pose risk to commuters

 

 

TWO prominent junctions located on Wardha Road have got new cantilever traffic signals. However, the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) seems to have been carried away with their size and placement as the signals have not only marred the aesthetics of the place, but also are dangerously ‘flashy’ for the commuters.

The cantilever signals are located at Chhatrapati Square and Jaiprakash Nagar Square. The poles boast of LED coloured panels which have been putting lot of strain on the eyes of road users, especially those wearing spectacles.

While the cantilever signals do provide a clear view from a long distance, drivers are often found overspeeding in an attempt to cross the junction. Moreover, NMC has installed LED (light emitting diode) coloured panels on these

cantilever signals. The LED panels run from the bottom of the poles, curved up to the top. Brightly lit, these LED panels are proving distraction for drivers, especially the elderly and those with eye problems.

Yogesh Sarode, a resident of Chhatrapati Nagar who commutes to the office through Chhatrapati Nagar said, “Earlier, signals used to regulate the traffic efficiently. I haven’t seen any accident on the square unless someone tried to jump the signal. The cantilever and the LED now offer multiple points for the drivers to concentrate on. This is more a distraction than help for the drivers.” Said Shyam Borkar, a senior citizen, “The square is decorated with signals, so much so, that I don’t know where to look. The panelled LED lights hit hard in the eyes. And for those wearing spectacles, this is a real nightmare.”