Rash driving rampant

Visakhapatnam: Rash and reckless driving on city roads continues to pose problem both for motorists and pedestrians as traffic cops are ill-equipped to keep a watch on those violating rules. The traffic cops say it is very difficult to check rash driving with only one speed laser gun (SLG). Further, the cops have not been using the SLG for the past few weeks due to various reasons and requesting the government to sanction at least four more SLGs for the city considering the increasing traffic.

In view of the increasing number of fatal accidents in the city and on NH-16, city police chief Amit Garg  has imposed restrictions on the the speed limit. As per the new regulations, the speed limit on the stretch between Aganampudi and Paradesipalem on NH-16 is 40 kmph and from Aganampudi towards Vijaya-wada and similarly from Paradesipalem towards Srikak-ulam, the limit is 60 kmph.

The speed on the 48-km state highway-38, the stretch between Anandapuram to Anakapalle, has been restricted to 50 kmph. Vehicles should not cross 30 kmph on the Beach Road from the fishing harbour to Tenneti Park and 40 kmph from Tenneti Park to Bheemili.

 Speaking to this correspondent, ADCP (Traffic) K. Mahendra Patrudu said most of the accidents were being reported from the 73-km stretch of NH-16 which passes through city from Salapuvanipalem to Rajapulova Junction.

Traffic cops expressed difficulty in keeping a vigil on overspeeding vehicles with just one SPG, which clicks pictures of vehicles from a distance of 1.5 km and records the speed of vehicles.  They said they were not able to decide where to install it.

The lone SPG is being used by the cops in Madhurawada zone, once in a while. There is one other SPG procured by the RTA which is gathering dust.

Sources in the traffic police department said the  city police commissionerate requires at least four more SPGs, interceptor vehicles and trained traffic cops to catch hold of violators.