BHUBANESWAR: The commissionerate police have decided to decongest the free left turns at major junctions. Though there is a rule to make way for vehicles at free left turns, its implementation was lacking.
In the first phase, the system will be implemented at the busy Capital Hospital Square, AG Square, Nalco Square and KIIT Square. New DCP (traffic) S Susree along with assistant commissioner of police (ACP) Swastik Panda visited different traffic posts and asked their staff to sensitise motorists about the free left rule.
“We have deployed traffic police personnel at the four major signals to educate commuters regarding free lefts. After seeing the response and getting people’s feedback, we will implement the free left rule at other traffic posts. Once the commuters get used to it, then police can start levying fines on those flouting the norms,” Susree said.
At present, most free lefts in the capital city are only adding to the traffic chaos, as several motorists end up blocking these lanes while waiting at junctions. Though the traffic police have installed cone-shaped barricades at most junctions to clearly demarcate the free left, the attempt has failed to discipline vehicular movement. The situation turns worse during peak hours, especially in the evening.
“It’s not only two-wheelers and private vehicles, even government buses occupy the free left space and don’t allow vehicles to pass through unless the signal turns green. It is difficult for us to regulate traffic at the congested left turns every time. Motorists should learn the basic rules,” a traffic constable said.
Traffic ACP Panda said the police will go after the violators following completion of the awareness drive. “We will impose a fine of Rs 500 under Section 96 of the Odisha Urban Police (OUP) Act or Section 177 of the Motor Vehicles Act. If motorists are found blocking the free left intentionally and not giving way for emergency vehicles like ambulances, police will have the power to impose Rs 10,000 fine under Section 194 (E) of the MV Act,” Panda said.
Commuters welcomed the move and demanded strict compliance of the rule. “We regularly see two-wheelers and four-wheelers occupying the free left at Nalco Square. Some of the motorists often drive through the free left to take a long right turn and stop right in front of the traffic signal. This leads to chaos,” said Murals Down, a motorist.
In the first phase, the system will be implemented at the busy Capital Hospital Square, AG Square, Nalco Square and KIIT Square. New DCP (traffic) S Susree along with assistant commissioner of police (ACP) Swastik Panda visited different traffic posts and asked their staff to sensitise motorists about the free left rule.
“We have deployed traffic police personnel at the four major signals to educate commuters regarding free lefts. After seeing the response and getting people’s feedback, we will implement the free left rule at other traffic posts. Once the commuters get used to it, then police can start levying fines on those flouting the norms,” Susree said.
At present, most free lefts in the capital city are only adding to the traffic chaos, as several motorists end up blocking these lanes while waiting at junctions. Though the traffic police have installed cone-shaped barricades at most junctions to clearly demarcate the free left, the attempt has failed to discipline vehicular movement. The situation turns worse during peak hours, especially in the evening.
“It’s not only two-wheelers and private vehicles, even government buses occupy the free left space and don’t allow vehicles to pass through unless the signal turns green. It is difficult for us to regulate traffic at the congested left turns every time. Motorists should learn the basic rules,” a traffic constable said.
Traffic ACP Panda said the police will go after the violators following completion of the awareness drive. “We will impose a fine of Rs 500 under Section 96 of the Odisha Urban Police (OUP) Act or Section 177 of the Motor Vehicles Act. If motorists are found blocking the free left intentionally and not giving way for emergency vehicles like ambulances, police will have the power to impose Rs 10,000 fine under Section 194 (E) of the MV Act,” Panda said.
Commuters welcomed the move and demanded strict compliance of the rule. “We regularly see two-wheelers and four-wheelers occupying the free left at Nalco Square. Some of the motorists often drive through the free left to take a long right turn and stop right in front of the traffic signal. This leads to chaos,” said Murals Down, a motorist.
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