INTERCEPTOR TO CHECK SPEEDING ON ELECTRONICS CITY EXPRESSWAY

INTERCEPTOR TO CHECK SPEEDING ON ELECTRONICS CITY EXPRESSWAY
The 9.5 km elevated expressway to Electronics City, which will be inaugurated on Friday, is a godsend to more than 3 lakh techies who daily commute to work. But fearing that this signal-free stretch could easily turn into a death trap, the police will use an Interceptor, install surveillance cameras, and levy a fine of Rs 500 to deter over-speeding
M K ASHOKA & SRIDHAR VIVAN


At every kilometre or so, a round white signboard with ‘80’ in bold black, and circled in red, screams at you. It’s the designated speed limit on the 9.5 km elevated expressway to Electronics City, the longest signal and junction-free stretch in the city.
But these signboards are a mere distraction as we found out during a trial drive on the expressway. The shining macadam unspools endlessly before you and even the least adventurous driver is tempted to put his foot down on the gas pedal and let it stay there. Chances are, when traffic begins in earnest later this week, that it could prove fatal.
RS 500 FINE
Fully aware of how accident prone the expressway could become, the traffic police are taking no chances. They are, wisely, not relying on those signboards alone. As Additional Commissioner of Police (Traffic and Security) Praveen Sood revealed, an Interceptor will be parked (probably at the extra lay bye on the stretch) to stop over-speeding vehicles. Moreover, surveillance cameras will be installed at various points along the stretch to curb those in a tearing hurry.
A fine of Rs 500 will be levied for over-speeding and dangerous driving. The fine amount will be Rs 200 for two-wheelers. Variable Message Signs will display messages composed of letters and symbols and provide real time information on the traffic situation to motorists.
COPS EXTRA VIGILANT
Sood said they did not want to take chances on the new expressway after what happened on the freeway to the Bengaluru International Airport soon after it was opened. There were 30 casualties in the first month.
“The speed limit on the elevated highway is 80 kmph and we will see to it that vehicles are driven within the speed limit. Every possible way including interceptors to surveillance cameras will be used for this purpose,” he said. “It is not like driving on an ordinary road. A small mistake can be fatal. If you lose control, the consequences can be huge. Hence, by using our men and technology, we will monitor the traffic,” he added.
He appealed to commuters to mind the rules. “We request commuters to keep safety aspects in their mind. With two lanes in each direction, there is no scope for over-speeding and overtaking on the elevated road. Stopping of vehicles unnecessarily on the elevated road will lead to serious traffic congestion,” he said.