Soon Mumbai Pedestrian can halt traffic to cross roads
A pedestrian-controlled signal allow walkers to change traffic lights at pedestrian crossings with just a push of a button, reducing their waiting time. The system will be introduced at seven spots in south Mumbai. Imperceptible telephone-sized boxes on traffic poles that worldwide have given pedestrians a say in the way traffic works are finally making an entry into Mumbai thanks to the city’s traffic police.
“The Chowpatty crossing should be functional within a week. Depending on the feedback from pedestrians, we will instal similar systems near the Charni Road government press, Taraporewala Aquarium, Priyadarshini Park, Mafatlal Bath, Nana Chowk and Villa Teresa School,” said additional police commissioner (traffic) Brijesh Singh.
The seven locations were chosen from a long list that a study commissioned a few months ago threw up. “There are several long stretches where there is no appropriate crossing for pedestrians. The stretch between Mahalaxmi to RTI junction is one such example. Then, at some places, the foot over-bridges are rundown,” a traffic official said. “These new pedestrian-controlled crossings will be most beneficial to senior citizens, physically challenged and visually impaired pedestrians.”
“Pedestrians must get priority over the movement of cars,” says transport expert Sudhir Badami. “Pedestriancontrolled signals were tried on an experimental basis at Marine Drive two or three decades ago. They were successful, but the project wasn’t implemented afterwards. A pedestrian-controlled signal can always be programmed in such a way that after one use, it won’t be usable again for the next one to two minutes. This will prevent misuse.”
There are, indeed, fears that the system might not work. “Waiting cars could lead to traffic jams and backlogs. Also, there are speeding two-wheeler riders who often break signals and zip across. But despite the challenges, we are hoping road users will cooperate with us and make the system a success,” a traffic official said.
Chowpatty crossing, Mumbai, Mumbai Pedestrian, pedestrian crossings, pedestrian-controlled signal
