Date:28/03/2004 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2004/03/28/stories/2004032810600300.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

`Area licensing' may reduce traffic congestion: experts

By Sangeeth Kurian

CHENNAI, MARCH 27. The concept of creating exclusive zones that charge entry as well as parking fee from private vehicles can significantly reduce traffic congestion in the city, urban planning experts say.

Under the concept of `area licensing with suitable parking pricing,' any private vehicle entering a congested area such as George Town, T. Nagar, Panagal Park and Pondy Bazzar will have to pay a certain amount as entry fee. The idea is to minimise usage of personal mode of transport and popularise public transport system, according to Anatharajan, retired professor of Traffic and Urban Systems, Anna University. "At least 50 per cent of the congestion can be reduced through this concept."

Prof. Anantharajan also emphasises the need for improving existing facilities in public transport system for successful implementation. "When you resort to area licensing, you should ensure that commuters are provided the best possible facilities in public transport services. Only then will people be tempted to use it. The concept would also help authorities to reduce the number of existing parking spaces," he said.

Ananda Ranjana Doss, former member and chief planner, Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA), stresses the need to build multi-storeyed parking garages. Maintenance of roads was another vital area, he said. "Around twenty per cent of the road capacity can be improved if the sand that gets accumulated on either side of the road and median is removed. The presence of sand often forces the motorists to stray into the middle of the road," said Mr. Doss.

Vehicle users see major problem in finding parking spaces, especially on busy traffic corridors. Most often the carriageway on main roads of commercial areas, serve as "informal parking lots."

Lack of strict enforcement drive against unauthorised and haphazard parking encourages on-street parking, which impedes traffic flow by 30 per cent, planners say.

Traffic planners in CMDA are now working out a separate parking plan for Chennai as part of its traffic and transport study.