Date:11/10/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/10/11/stories/2008101152330300.htm

Tamil Nadu

Ooty ill-equipped to deal with heavy traffic Law & order

A permanent traffic management plan is the need of the hour, writes
D. Radhakrishnan

— Photo: M. Sathyamoorthy

Jammed: Heavy traffic on the Commercial Road in Udhagamandalam.

From early this month the flow of tourists - particularly those coming by cars - to this holiday destination has been good. While this has brought cheer to those dependent on tourism for a livelihood and proved wrong the refrain of some that the popularity of this town among tourists was on the wane, it has also exposed many inadequacies. In particular it has shown how badly equipped this town is to deal with a spurt in the traffic and consequent congestion, frayed tempers and mishaps.

Observers are of the view that the tendency of the police to rely on temporary piece meal measures to tackle traffic related problems is the main reason for the sorry state of affairs. Though over the years well meaning residents have pointed out to the police that the drawing up of a permanent traffic management plan should not be delayed those at the helm of affairs are yet to respond. Consequently complaints are mounting.

Stating that the time has come to take a hard look at the situation on the ground, the observers say that in finding a lasting solution all the road users should be treated on par.

The interests of the motorists, pedestrians, tourists and the mercantile community should be balanced.

The authorities can no longer afford to please one section at the cost another. Instances of pedestrians getting hit by vehicles moving out of parking lots without warning especially on the Commercial and Municipal Market roads are on the rise.

While suggesting that vehicles should not be allowed to be parked for a long time in busy and crowded areas, the observers feel that the Casino junction should be made a no parking zone and the municipality should improve the condition of the roads and foot paths in the area. Without providing proper alternatives traffic should not be diverted as often the roads on which traffic is diverted are too narrow and more congested.