People crossing the road at pedestrian friendly signal at Cross Cut Road junction in Coimbatore on Thursday. , Photo Credit: M. Periyasamy
Coimbatore city is expected to have more pedestrian-friendly traffic signals as the traffic police has already selected some of them for a makeover. The new pedestrian-friendly signals in the city will be in addition to the signals installed at Lakshmi Mill Junction and Cross Cut Road Junction, Gandhipuram.
The first signal with dedicated time slot for pedestrian crossing was introduced at Lakshmi Mills Junction. Based on public feedback, city police commissioner V. Balakrishnan directed the traffic police wing to replicate the model at other busy junctions where people cross the road in large numbers.
Mr Balakrishnan opened the second signal with dedicated timings for pedestrians at Cross Cut Road Junction a few days back.
According to the commissioner, measures were taken to allow pedestrians to cross the road safely and without disruption caused by moving vehicles. Pedestrians will be given at least 25 seconds to cross the road.
A senior traffic police wing official said that dedicated timings for pedestrians would be introduced at Chintamani Junction and GP signal. “We have installed pedestrian signals at these junctions. The work of installing public addressing system is expected to be completed soon.
The police also plans to install pedestrian friendly signals at Sangam junction. Police were waiting for the Highways Department to complete construction of a traffic island at the junction to begin work for the pedestrian signal. Ramanathapuram Junction is another place where motorists are demanding the police to allot dedicated time for pedestrian crossings.
According to the traffic police official, there was no plan to introduce the system at other signals on Avinashi Road as the work on the elevated corridor was underway. Besides, as per the tender agreement, the contractor was to install signals on the section between Uppilipalayam and Goldwins, the traffic police officer said.