– Dr. Dinesh B.D.S (Cal Univ), PGDHHM, PGDMLS, PGDMC
Sri Vijaya Puram, July 02: Sri Vijaya Puram has invested considerably in CCTV surveillance to monitor traffic, enforce regulations, and improve public safety. While this is a commendable initiative, surveillance alone cannot ensure smooth and safe traffic movement. Poorly managed traffic signals and the absence of clear road signage are creating unnecessary confusion and frustration among motorists.
At several signalised junctions, free left turns are not permitted, yet there are no prominent signboards informing motorists of this restriction. Drivers who obey traffic rules by stopping at the zebra crossing during a red signal are frequently subjected to relentless honking from vehicles behind, whose drivers assume that a free left turn is allowed. This not only causes unnecessary stress but also encourages unsafe driving behaviour and undermines respect for traffic regulations.
The administration must act without delay. If free left turns are prohibited, large and highly visible “NO FREE LEFT TURN” signboards should be installed well before every such junction. Better still, the traffic management wing should review all signalised intersections and, wherever safety permits, redesign them to allow free left turns. Traffic rules must be clear, uniform, and easily understood, not left to guesswork.
Another glaring issue is the operation of traffic signals during periods of negligible traffic. Motorists are often forced to wait through long red-light cycles even when there is no vehicle movement on the intersecting road. This is an inefficient use of infrastructure, wastes fuel, increases vehicle emissions, and tests the patience of road users. During off-peak hours, traffic signals should either operate on an adaptive system based on actual traffic flow or be switched to flashing amber, wherever feasible and safe.
Equally important is public awareness. Before introducing new traffic regulations or strictly enforcing them through CCTV-based challans, the administration should launch a comprehensive awareness campaign through newspapers, television, radio, social media, and public announcements. Many motorists are still unfamiliar with modern traffic signal systems, lane discipline, and restrictions such as “No Free Left Turn.” Educating the public before penalising them will improve compliance, reduce confusion, and build public confidence in the traffic management system.
If Srivijayapuram aspires to be a truly smart city, it must move beyond merely installing CCTV cameras. Intelligent traffic management, proper road engineering, visible signage, practical signal timing, and sustained public education are equally essential. Enforcement should go hand in hand with awareness. Road users deserve a traffic system that is logical, efficient, transparent, and fair. The concerned authorities should address these shortcomings at the earliest in the interest of public safety, traffic discipline, and commuter convenience.
( Writer is a Dental Surgeon & freelance Journalist)
