Traffic Control Scenario in state
- Hueiyen Lanpao Editorial :: May 26, 2012 -

Shobaraj Yumlembam from the desk

With the increasing vehicular movements and vulnerable condition of the roads in our state, frequent traffic related issues come up day by day.

Although Traffic Control Police (TCP) tried to exercise their duties with utmost efficiency, news regarding traffic jams and road accidents are something which we daily witnessed in the paper with our morning cup of tea.

Under-aged drivers, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, use of mobile phone while driving, rash driving and violating traffic rules are some of the added scenes that contribute to traffic collision, which is a major cause of death and injuries worldwide.

An overwhelming number of minors driving vehicles with school uniform are most of the time responsible for creating havoc on roads. Often, they not only break traffic rules and regulations but also create disturbances while driving, putting their own as well as others' life at stake.

Surprisingly, some of these school going children have own driving licenses issued in their names and at that age. It would be better if the issuing authority seizes such driving licenses and re-verify them and take up required actions.

The State Government's plans and measures laid out in connection with road safety are quite impressive. However, these plans and measures need to be implemented sincerely and as fast as possible considering the present pathetic traffic scenes on the roads of Imphal.

Some of the mandatory steps that have been taken up include installation of traffic signals, closed-circuit televisions (CCTVs) at important road junctions and adequate lighting system for better functioning of traffic control system.

More often than not, we see that most of the latest and necessary technological equipments which help in smooth functioning of Traffic Control Police (TCP) are lacking in the state.

Comparing with other states with minimum traffic problems, our state needs to catch up in every aspect of road safety. There is also lacking of manpower in the TCP.

Moreover, traffic police must be given proper training as done in other developed countries of the world. The CCTVs would definitely be an asset in observing, controlling and re-analyzing potential threats to road safety.

Zebra crossings and foot-paths must be properly maintained for the safety of pedestrians. Important traffic rules and regulations and traffic related terms are needed to be put up at suitable places on the road so as to help in educating the public on road safety measures.

Adequate traffic boards and road signs are needed at the required spot on roads. The government needs to analyze the present traffic scenario of the state and take up some contemporary and effective road safety measures immediately.