School limits to be no-stoppage zones

School limits to be no-stoppage zones
Deccan Herald

The police believe that the move will help in de-congesting traffic around schools.

Twenty days later when Bangalore schools open, the school gates will be a long walk away. For the Traffic Police, still upbeat about its ‘Safe Road to Schools’ project that it launched on February 10, has decided on a new traffic buster: Make areas around schools into ‘No-stoppage zones’. Starting June 2, parents and drivers ferrying the children will be forced to park 200 metres away and walk the remaining distance.

While this may not exactly bring cheer to parents and students, life promises to become much easier for the traffic department, which believes this will reduce congestion around schools and also deter people from using private vehicles. “The traffic congestion around schools is frustrating and unsafe. This measure may sound uncomfortable initially, but it will help sort out the traffic problem in a big way,” said Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic-East) M A Saleem.

Meanwhile, the plan to introduce BMTC buses in schools is being campaigned for in full force. While Traffic Department officials are visiting schools asking for their support, the BMTC is all set to launch a media campaign invited schools to avail of their services. The BMTC’s proposal is tempting: Let the schools decide what routes to take and what should be the stoppages. Also, the travel cost will be reduced by half as the BMTC will charge only Rs 14/km that will be shared among the students. “While parents are a little wary, the schools have responded in a positive way. We are therefore releasing newspaper advertisements to create awareness among the public,” said BMTC Chairman Dr Upendra Tripathi.

Initial phase

The Traffic Police are concentrating on 15 schools in central Bangalore for the initial phase of the project. Schools around Cubbon Park, Shivajinagar, Ashok Nagar, Majestic, City Market and Town Hall are likely to increase their BMTC fleet. While 235 buses have already been put to service over the last few years, another 100 buses will be added in June for this project, Saleem said.