Mixed response to plan on one-way rule

Mixed response to plan on one-way rule
The Hindu

BANGALORE NOV. 12. The pro posed one-way traffic system from December 1 on Residency Road, Richmond Road and a few adjoining streets has evoked a mixed response from road users and owners of commercial establishments on these routes. Many wonder. whether the decision of the city police will help ease congestion on the roads.

G. Williams, proprietor of Sweet Chariot, a sweet shop on Residency Road, says the one- way system would affect his business. "The one-way system may turn out to be in favour of the traffic regulation, but I feel it might affect our business, as people coming from Koramangala and Indiranagar have to take a longer route." Pub-goers too have a problem. Amit Daniel and Sourav Kumar, college students, complain: "Most of our favourite hangouts are on Residency Road and Richmond Road, and we will have to spend more on petro1."

However, for many others, the new rule is only part of an ongoing traffic management trend. "There is a new one-way introduced every second day, and we have learnt to live with it," Prashant, manager of an automobile firm, says.

'Problems unlikely'
Autorickshaw drivers do not feel the proposal to introduce the one-way rule will bring them problems. But. they are worried that passengers might complain.' Syed Mohammed, an autorickshaw driver, says: "The passengers will be unhappy as they will have to shell out higher fares. As far as the drivers are concerned, we are not likely to face any difficulty."

Under the new regulations, shifting of bus stops is proposed; for instance, those near Mayo Hall and St. Joseph's College and the one opposite to Bishop Cotton High Schoo1. Some commuters may have to walk further to stops.

While some road-users welcome the proposed traffic changes on Magarath Road, Wood Street, Campbell Road and Museum Road, many others disapprove of them. "Time will answer whether the new regulations will solve the traffic problem or add to the existing chaos," they say.