Open House: What should be done to check traffic violations?
Step up surveillance, hold awareness drives
Ludhiana, an industrial hub with a population of over 1.8 million, has heavy traffic flow, particularly during peak hours. The intense traffic flow, combined with a lack of road discipline, frequently causes accidents. At 1,43,774, Ludhiana recorded the highest number traffic violations in the state last year. The alarming figure underscores the need to check traffic lawlessness in the state's busiest and most congested cities. Although the authorities imposed fine on offenders, the high number of traffic violations suggests that current measures are not enough to deter offenders. There is a need for adopting a multi-faceted approach to address the growing problem and ensure better compliance with traffic rules. Road infrastructure should be improved. More CCTV cameras should be installed and automated number plate recognition (ANPR) system implemented to monitor traffic violations in real time. Underage drivers should be heavily penalised so as to act as a deterrent. Finally, public awareness campaigns emphasising the importance of following traffic rules, understanding road safety and the consequences of violations may encourage drivers to behave more responsibly.
Novin Christopher
Committed to safety of commuters: CP
WE are committed to the safety of commuters and several initiatives have been taken to make the roads safer for them. However, no traffic violator will be spared and penal action as per rules will be initiated against those caught violating the rules. — Kuldeep Singh Chahal, COMMISSIONER OF POLICE
Make e-challan system more efficient
It is disappointing to note that Ludhiana has topped the list of the number of traffic violations in the state. However, it is encouraging that the Commissioner of Police has taken action by issuing challans to offenders. The e-challaning system should be made more efficient. Install high-quality cameras at major intersections in Ludhiana to ensure offenders are identified. Additionally, fine for violations should be significantly increased to deter violators. It would make them think twice before breaking traffic rules. Strict action should also be taken against those who evade or ignore challans. Traffic cops should focus on monitoring violations that may not be captured by cameras such as riding helmetless, underage driving or passengers not wearing seat belt. Vehicles should be equipped with speed governors so as to prevent speeding and accidents caused due to it. The measures will ensure the city roads are safer and drivers responsible.
Kirandeep Kaur
Increase penalty, impound vehicles
The traffic wing of Ludhiana city has launched so many drives to make people aware of the importance of safe and smooth driving, but the results are not impressive. The number of traffic violations has gone high in the past few years. Underage driving continues unabated. Though traffic cops are strict with regard to the offence of wrong parking, the problem still persists and causes chaos and snarl-ups, which prove to be a big problem for commuters and pedestrians. It seems motorists have no fear of punishment or penalty on being caught violating traffic rules. Police patrolling should be increased to curb traffic violations. Those jumping red light should be punished heavily. Vehicles of violators should be impounded for a period of at least three months. All citizens should cooperate in implementing the traffic rules. Without the active and moral participation of the public, these drives cannot be successful.
Dr Mohd Saleem Farooqui
Strictly enforce traffic regulations
To improve road safety in Ludhiana, a multi-faceted approach is required. First and foremost, traffic regulations must be strictly enforced. This would require a greater police presence, particularly at accident-prone junctions, as well as the use of technology like CCTV cameras and automated number plate recognition systems to detect and sanction violators. Public awareness initiatives are essential too. Educating drivers and pedestrians about road safety standards through announcements, and holding workshops and school programmes can greatly alter behaviour of commuters. Furthermore, strengthening road infrastructure is critical. This includes correcting concerns such as insufficient street lighting, badly maintained roadways, and lack of pedestrian sidewalks. Ludhiana can make its roads safer and more accountable for all inhabitants by combining stronger enforcement, thorough public education, and upgraded infrastructure.
Tamanpreet Kaur Khangura
Install HD cameras to catch violators
Implement smart traffic management system with the use of AI-powered lights that adjust to real-time traffic flow. This will help in reducing congestion and vehicle idling period, leading to less pollution. Surveillance cameras should be installed across the city. Ensure that traffic violations are captured in high-definition cameras at key intersections to enforce law and order. Adopt zero tolerance to traffic violations to strengthen the enforcement of rules such as wearing helmet, seat belt, and stopping at red light. Heavier penalties should be imposed on repeat offenders. Incentivise eco-friendly means of transport. Analyse traffic data to identify congestion hotspots and develop solutions, such as alternative routes, dedicated lanes, and improved public transport options. Increase public awareness on road safety by conducting regular campaigns and workshops, targeting schools, colleges, and offices. To ensure safer roads and reduce traffic-related pollution in Ludhiana, it is necessary to adopt a multi-faceted approach. This involves combining modern technology, stricter enforcement, sustainable transportation, road safety, and environmental responsibility.
Parmeet Kaur
Bring all roads under CCTV lens
Along with many challenges faced due to rapid urbanisation, Ludhiana is riddled with the problems of traffic congestion and violations. Consequences of traffic violations can be fine, licence suspension, imprisonment, increase in insurance premium, social consequences like your reputation and relationships, injuries or even fatalities. Adherence to fundamental road safety regulations is crucial to addressing these complexities, guaranteeing your safety and that of fellow motorists and pedestrians. Wear a helmet when riding a scooter or bike. Avoid using phone while driving and always drive on the left side of the road. Never jump the red light and obey traffic signals. Always wear a seat belt while travelling in a car and maintain lane discipline. Refrain from speeding and driving drunk to avoid collisions resulting in severe injury or casualty. While driving, you must carry the vehicle's RC and insurance certificate, pollution control certificate, your driving licence and the permit, if applicable, to avoid penalties. The e-challan system has been implemented on some roads in Ludhiana to enforce traffic regulations efficiently. When drivers commit infractions such as jumping the signal and breaching the speed limit, cameras and sensors capture evidence, resulting in electronic penalties issued promptly. This system should be implemented on all roads of the city to enhance road safety by deterring reckless driving and to ensure adherence to traffic laws.
RS Sembhi
Preventing violations should be priority
Ludhiana traffic police collected a lot of money by penalising violators. Given the staggering number of violations, there is a strong need to make violators understand the importance of road safety. Collection of huge sums of money in the form of fine from violators is not the only thing that should be aimed at. The authorities should target making people realise the significance of obeying traffic rules. The Municipal Corporation should ensure the upkeep of roads so as to prevent accidents that take place on broken stretches. The people must be fully aware of the rules. Awareness campaigns should be run to make sure each and every person knew the laws and penalties for violations. While the authorities amassed a lot of money in the form of traffic fine, commuters continue to give the rules the go-by. Helmetless riding is a common sight in the city. Schoolkids commute on two-wheelers without wearing a helmet. Underage driving is also a violation that needs to be curbed. Education programmes must be started by the police in schools, colleges and different colonies to educate youth and masses about the traffic laws and the punishment that violations entail. All these steps will help in achieving road safety.
Gautam Dev
Increase traffic police presence
To curb traffic violations and enhance road safety in Ludhiana, strict enforcement of traffic laws through increased police presence and advanced surveillance systems is essential. Public awareness campaigns should be conducted to educate citizens about rules and penalties. Repeat offenders should face harsher penalties and mandatory community service. Improving road infrastructure, including better signage and lighting, will also reduce accidents and ensure smoother traffic flow. Collaborative efforts between the authorities and the public are key to fostering a culture of responsible driving.
Akash Kumar, Jagraon
Impose heavy fine on repeat offenders
To address the issue of rising traffic violations in Ludhiana and improve road safety, a multi-pronged approach is a must. First, law enforcement must be strengthened through deployment of more traffic police officials in the city, especially at key intersections, to ensure stricter monitoring. Additionally, the use of technology such as CCTV cameras and automated number plate recognition systems should be expanded to catch offenders in real-time and issue fine. Public awareness campaigns are also crucial. Citizens should be educated about road safety, the importance of following traffic rules, and the consequences of violations. These campaigns can be run in schools, workplaces, and community centres, ensuring a wider reach. Furthermore, improving road infrastructure can help reduce accidents and violations. Functional traffic signals, pedestrian crossings, and road markings are vital for ensuring smoother and safer traffic flow. Encouraging the use of alternative transport methods like cycling or public transport can reduce congestion and make roads safer for everyone. Lastly, stricter penalties and a point-based licence system could act as a deterrent for repeat offenders. A combined effort from the government, law enforcement agencies, and citizens can play a pivotal role in reducing traffic violations and making Ludhiana's roads safer for all.
Jasmeet Kaur
Install boom barriers at traffic lights
Road transport is considered the most convenient and frequently used mode of transport. This calls for safer roads. The primary role in ensuring safety of people on road is of the police in general and traffic cops in particular. They have to ensure traffic rules are followed in letter and spirit. Cops should frequently hold speed nakas. Boom barriers should installed at traffic lights, which should rise only when the signal is green. This will not only check the violation of jumping red light, but also avert mishaps caused by offenders. Drivers attending to phone calls or involved in munching food should be subjected to strict punishment. Parents can act responsibly and play a crucial role in checking underage driving. There must be separate lanes for scooter riders, cyclists and other slow-moving vehicles. There should be emergency service lanes on both sides of road for police vehicles and ambulances. Drunken driving nakas should be laid and the vehicles of offenders should be impounded. A lecture on road safety rules should be delivered in each and every college and school once a week. It should be ensured that the roads are free of potholes.
Farzana Khan