One-way traffic plan goes off track
The one-way system introduced on city roads two years ago by the district administration in a bid to control traffic has gone off the track due to poor implementation.
The one-way system introduced on city roads two years ago by the district administration in a bid to control traffic has gone off the track due to poor implementation.
Such system was introduced in areas of Anardana Chowk, Arya Samaj, Lahori Gate, Dharampura Bazaar Tawkali turn, Adalat Bazaar, Leela Bhawan and from Sai Market to Nabha Gate to prevent traffic jams.
After initial resistance from area shopkeepers, it took the administration months together to introduce the system properly early this year.
"After a semblance of smooth traffic after the enforcement of one-way system during the first five months of this year, traffic jams and snarls are back in the absence of strict enforcement," rued Harmail Singh, a local shopkeeper.
Occasional brawls break out among motorists and two-wheeler riders as vehicles brush against each other due to traffic congestions.
"The situation turns from bad to worse in the evening hours as street hawkers selling eatables line up along streets, creating more bottlenecks on the already congested lanes. Under such circumstances, even traffic policemen appear hapless in regulating traffic," said another shopkeeper Madan Singh.
Even signboard displaying orders of Patiala municipal corporation on traffic system have been covered by posters and banners. "The administration should remove these signboards displaying one-way traffic as they have lost their meaning," remarked a local resident.
Meanwhile, Hardip Singh, inspector, traffic police, attributed the situation to lack of parking space and staff crunch. "We had to do away with the one-way system at Tawkali Turn, Dharmpura Market and Adalat Bazaar due to constraints. Moreover, people here are not ready for paid parkings," he added.