Zebra crossings lost in city traffic

Despite the presence of zebra crossings on several roads of the city, many motorists prefer to ignore them, endangering the life of pedestrians. Vehicles often halt just on the crossings at traffic lights, blocking the path of pedestrians who are supposed to use these designated areas to safely cross the road.

But many drivers do not halt at the zebra crossing, preventing pedestrians from crossing safely. Moreover, traffic police often turn a blind eye to drivers who violate traffic rules by obstructing pedestrians’ passage.

Residents say that low road dividers near zebra crossings are not designed in such a way as to provide easy access to pedestrians, forcing them to jump the dividers. “It seems there is no space for pedestrians in the city. The city administration must impress upon drivers to use the zebra lines," said Kirti Verma, a resident.

“I am surprised to see pedestrians finding it difficult to cross the road with drivers ignoring the zebra crossings. It seems as if is like they are invisible,” said Surjit Singh, another resident. He said before issuing the driving licence, authorities must ensure applicants are aware of the traffic rules, including pedestrians’ rights. For those who already have licences, the traffic police need to act tough against them.

Residents demand that footpaths should be cleared of encroachments and subways constructed at key points to facilitate safe crossing of pedestrians. “We need infrastructure that prioritises pedestrians’ safety. It is not just about painting zebra crossings, it is about creating a safe environment for everyone,” said Jagtar Singh, a student.

The lack of adherence to zebra crossings by drivers results in annoyance to pedestrians who have to cross roads haphazardly, disrupting traffic and risking their lives. “I have seen pedestrians dodging vehicles and jumping over dividers. It is chaotic and terrifying. The authorities need to take action to ensure pedestrian safety," said a working professional.