Pedestrians to get 15 seconds per 2 mins to cross roads

Pedestrians will soon have 15 seconds every two minutes to cross roads on busy intersections. Delhi traffic police, that had stopped slapping fine on jaywalkers for violating road norms, recently has decided to give safe and easy crossover to pedestrians by stopping motorised vehicles in all directions for at least 15 seconds every two minutes.

Pedestrians will soon have 15 seconds every two minutes to cross roads on busy intersections. Delhi traffic police, that had stopped slapping fine on jaywalkers for violating road norms, recently has decided to give safe and easy crossover to pedestrians by stopping motorised vehicles in all directions for at least 15 seconds every two minutes.

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They feel that signalised movement of jaywalkers will bring down accidents congestions on roads. The 15-second pedestrian crossover feature will be installed in a phased manner. In the first phase, these crossovers will be provided at Purvi Marg and Paschim Marg on Outer Ring Road, Munirka, Aurobindo Marg, AIIMS Gate and INA Market, said traffic officials.

“Work is on to upgrade signals at these locations. They will be functional within a couple of weeks,” said Ajay Chadha, special commissioner of police (administration and traffic). In the second phase, intersections close to busy metro stations will be covered, said sources.

“We are identifying locations, which lack proper pedestrian crossovers across the city. There are also places where traffic lights are not installed on long stretches where pedestrian lights will be installed,” Chadha added. Delhi Gate, Safdarjung, Yusuf Sarai, Green Park are some places where pedestrian crossovers are being installed.

“Most jaywalkers are just as responsible for road accidents as motorists. Pedestrians are involved in at least 40-50% of road accidents in Delhi,” PK Sarkar, head, transportation, School of Planning and Architecture. KK Kapila, chairman of International Road Federation, felt that to avoid pedestrian accidents, government should immediately remove encroachments from footpaths and provide space to walk.