Jaipur: Traffic signals ensure a seamless flow of vehicular traffic, but motorists in Jaipur often struggle to get a clear view of traffic lights because traffic lights get obscured by a range of obstacles from poles to boxes, adding to the chaos are the confusing presence of multiple traffic signals on several intersections.
Take for instance ordeal faces by commuters on SMS Hospital Road where a tall pole obstructs the traffic signal.
Many drivers can be seen tilting their heads or leaning out of their vehicles just to catch a glimpse of the signal. These scene of people jostling to see the traffic signal has become all too common here. “One has to get on the edge of stop line to see if lights have turned green,” said Prateek Kumawat, a motorist. Similar scenes unfolded at an intersection on the Panch Batti. Commuters here often get puzzled about where traffic lights are, because the one a few meters away from them is obstructed.
As per traffic constables, such problems leads to confusion which can be dangerous. Traffic constables in the city have also begun to realise the consequences of the problem. Many of them complain that concussion triggers regular bickering and disputes.
“Only a couple of days ago, a car came barreling through the amber light. We asked the driver to stop, and he replied that he did not see the signal,” said a constable.
While overhead traffic lights are used at many intersections in Jaipur, at some locations people still rely on the traffic constable’s nod before going ahead, due to signals not being visible. Adding to the chaos is the presence of multiple traffic signals at certain intersections, like near the Jaipur police commissionerate where motorists often have to guess which signal matches their intended direction.
Besides SMS, Panch Batti, Ashok Nagar, the same problem plagues traffic in areas like Mansarovar and Sodala.
With two separate traffic signals near the Jaipur police commissionerate, drivers who intend to go straight towards Ajmer road turn right in confusion towards the government hostel road.
The puzzled drivers then take long detours, only to return to where they were. “It is true that confusion often prevails at intersections where there are multiple lanes, but traffic cops are deployed at such places,” said an official.
Traffic officials told TOI that such problems will persist unless some design changes are made.
Take for instance ordeal faces by commuters on SMS Hospital Road where a tall pole obstructs the traffic signal.
Many drivers can be seen tilting their heads or leaning out of their vehicles just to catch a glimpse of the signal. These scene of people jostling to see the traffic signal has become all too common here. “One has to get on the edge of stop line to see if lights have turned green,” said Prateek Kumawat, a motorist. Similar scenes unfolded at an intersection on the Panch Batti. Commuters here often get puzzled about where traffic lights are, because the one a few meters away from them is obstructed.
As per traffic constables, such problems leads to confusion which can be dangerous. Traffic constables in the city have also begun to realise the consequences of the problem. Many of them complain that concussion triggers regular bickering and disputes.
“Only a couple of days ago, a car came barreling through the amber light. We asked the driver to stop, and he replied that he did not see the signal,” said a constable.
While overhead traffic lights are used at many intersections in Jaipur, at some locations people still rely on the traffic constable’s nod before going ahead, due to signals not being visible. Adding to the chaos is the presence of multiple traffic signals at certain intersections, like near the Jaipur police commissionerate where motorists often have to guess which signal matches their intended direction.
Besides SMS, Panch Batti, Ashok Nagar, the same problem plagues traffic in areas like Mansarovar and Sodala.
With two separate traffic signals near the Jaipur police commissionerate, drivers who intend to go straight towards Ajmer road turn right in confusion towards the government hostel road.
The puzzled drivers then take long detours, only to return to where they were. “It is true that confusion often prevails at intersections where there are multiple lanes, but traffic cops are deployed at such places,” said an official.
Traffic officials told TOI that such problems will persist unless some design changes are made.
