Concerned citizens have taken to the roads at Golf Course roundabout with hopes to make a difference with a traffic awareness drive this week.
Tired of the disorder on Gurgaon roads, Odette Katrak, resident of Suncity became a citizen volunteer three months ago as part of the initiative introduced by DCP (Traffic) Bharti Arora.
With the help of Veena Gupta, a resident of Sector 56, they roped in like-minded residents from nearby areas for this drive.
“At this roundabout, which witnesses choked traffic daily, we are trying to get a simple message across: Come to a complete halt when the signal is red (no edging forward!), so that those who have a green signal can move smoothly.
This way, we all move faster. Also, we hope to make people understand that following lane discipline for roundabouts will reduce cutting across and improve traffic flow,” Odette said.
The protocol at the roundabout is: If you are going right round the circle, keep to the extreme right. If you are going straight, keep to the left, else stay in the centre lane.
Volunteers hope that those who pass through the roundabout during the drive this week can see the merits themselves.
There are several teenagers helping out as well, holding placards and distributing pamphlets.
Volunteers hope that those who pass through the roundabout during the drive this week can see the merits themselves.
There are several teenagers helping out as well, holding placards and distributing pamphlets.
Sunita Kalyan, another member of the group, said, “These efforts will improve the world our children inherit, so we are involving them to inculcate community consciousness at a young age.”
Odette, a behavioural consultant by profession, added, “I refuse to accept that nothing can be done about Gurgaon traffic. I firmly believe that change can be effected with right interventions. We hope our sweating it out and breathing polluted air will drive home the point that every one of us has a role to play in improving discipline on roads. Our message to all commuters is: Please do your bit, influence your drivers and friends too — and let's make the change happen.”
And for those who don’t understand this language, the city police have been active to issue challans.
“After all, we are just residents trying to improve things and encourage others to become citizen volunteers and help reduce jams near their homes at times convenient to them,” Veena said.
Those interested to join the drive may contact the DCP office at 0124-2217015.