Separate lanes for auto rickshaws need a constant check

Separate lanes for auto rickshaws need a constant check
New Indian Express

BANGALORE: Even as the city police are planning separate auto rickshaw lanes on several roads in the City, the pilot test on KG Road seems to have provided motorists some relief but has left auto rickshaw drivers grumbling.

Though the police are encouraged by the success of the new initiative, experts and motorists feel that lane discipline needs to be enforced properly and on a continuous basis. ‘‘Separate lanes are necessary for roads where the traffic flow is quite heavy.

On KG Road for instance, the traffic flow is between 1400- 1200 passenger car units per hour. So, a separate lane for autos here is definitely a good step for the traffic to run smoothly,’’ said traffic expert Prof. M N Sree Hari said.

The question, however, would be whether the police could successfully maintain this in the long run. ‘‘The manpower in the police department is not enough to keep a constant check on this,’’ he felt.

‘‘Rash driving by auto drivers can be tackled on the roads where the separate lane system is in practice, but this is not enough to regulate the traffic problem of the whole city,’’ says Sachin, a college student.

Shweta, a postgraduate student said, ‘‘the segregation of fast and slow moving vehicles is a good move to control the traffic, especially during the peak hours of the day.’’

The auto rickshaw drivers, however, do not agree. B V Raghavendra from Auto rickshaw Driver’s Union feels that this rule is not feasible and it has practical limitations.

‘‘Passengers cannot get down at their desired places and they may also face problems in flagging down an auto since we are not allowed to change lanes and it may lead to accidents as well,’’ he said.

On their part, the traffic police are making modifications to suit passengers. ‘‘The problem of auto rickshaw stands has been noticed and new auto stops have been identified on the right side of KG road,’’ he further added.

‘‘The lane system is working out successfully. Vehicles are able to move at a faster speed and they are also able to move in any direction.

Since KG Road is a one-way, it was easier to implement such a rule here. These roads are quite wide and provide enough space for the traffic to run smoothly,’’ a senior police officer said.