Taming the traffic
- Imphal Times Editorial :: June 15 2019 -

One of the most prominent albeit inconvenient indications of development and economic progress in the state would have to be the increasing congestions on the streets.

And now, things have come to such a state that it has become impossible for the public to find proper parking space anywhere in the city.

The problem has been felt for quite some time now, and the irresponsible nature of parking by many of the vehicle owners and drivers have added to the woes.

On the other hand, we have yet to see any positive changes by way of development of dedicated parking spaces in strategic points in the city, as every and all measures to regulate traffic and parking has been evidently temporary in nature.

The recent measures taken up by the state traffic police have yet again evoked mixed response from the public.

Setting aside the perceived inconveniences and drawbacks, the traffic control authority must have to be applauded for its efforts to streamline and ease the increasing problem.

It is true that a lot needs to be done and adjustments made to make the system as perfect as humanly possible, given the not so insignificant limitations in terms of space and resources being faced by the department, but the enthusiasm and professionalism with which the personnel are going about their duties cannot be mistaken.

But streamlining and regulating the flow of traffic and parking norms is just a part of the larger problem plaguing the state.

With the manifold increase in vehicular traffic, accidents and injuries due to distractions resulting from use of mobile phones while driving is another concern that needs to be addressed at the earliest.

Using hands free accessories or pulling up by the side to attend to important calls, while enforcing strict observation of the law against using phones while driving with fines and other applicable penalties could reduce the danger significantly.

Another aspect that could improve the scenario is the strict regulation and enforcement of emission rules.

The state Pollution Control Board at present exists only on paper as emission checks have all but become redundant.

It would be an understatement to say that the small capital has already began to be chocked by the grime and toxic fumes from the vehicles, some of which have posed serious pollution problems while nothing has been done so far in this regard.

Reintroducing the use of signal lights instead of deploying traffic personnel amongst the speeding traffic could definitely help in improving the regulation of traffic and would go a long way in educating and familiarizing the hereto ignorant public to the universally accepted traffic norms and rules.

The problem of traffic congestion and pressure on parking spaces is bound to increase with time.

The state government should waste no time to set up dedicated parking spaces and make provisions to provide an enduring solution to the problem.

For now, the most positive outcome is perhaps the unexpected opportunity for the public to take that much needed walk.