Date:30/04/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/04/30/stories/2008043061080100.htm

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Lane discipline: violators to be punished from tomorrow

Staff Reporter

Criss-crossing will be viewed seriously

HYDERABAD: Do you change lanes in the middle of the road and criss-cross while driving? Then, mend your ways or be prepared to cough out fines.

After enforcement of the helmet and seat belt rules, the city traffic police are focussing on lane discipline from Thursday and gearing to punish violators.

“Criss-crossing and changing lanes suddenly in the middle of the road amounts to rash driving. Hereafter, details of vehicle drivers resorting to this would be noted and they would be punished,” Traffic Police Additional Commissioner V.S.K. Kaumudi told reporters on Tuesday.

Strict surveillance

With the help of surveillance cameras installed at different junctions, lane discipline breaches would be recorded. Policemen regulating traffic at intersections too would note such violations and violators would be charged under provisions of rash and dangerous driving.

“I have spoken to the Transport Commissioner and impressed upon the latter to initiate serious action against vehicle drivers resorting to dangerous driving,” he explained. Emphasis would be laid on lane discipline, safety of pedestrians, pollution control and regulation of vehicles at autorickshaw and bus stops.

Do’s and don’ts

The new regulations coincide with the ‘Traffic rule violation free day’ observed by the police on the first day of every month. On a two-lane road, always keep to the left except when you wish to overtake or turn right. Shift to the right lane at least 100 yards before the intersection if you intend to take a turn.

Mr. Kaumudi said the feedback from people about traffic management was encouraging and public opinion would be taken into account before initiating any new measures. Several organisations had come forward to assist police in observing the ‘Traffic rule violation free day.’

Free gift

The Blue Lotus Group has announced that it would present a free gift - a CD on ‘Office Suite Software’- to every commuter adhering to traffic rules. Meanwhile, a traffic police team is being sent to Delhi to study the Bus Rapid Transit System.