Protest against traffic changes in Vytilla
Traders and local residents allege that traffic regulations at main junctions like Vytilla have only helped to increase congestion.
Kochi: The new traffic regulations at main junctions like Vytilla have come under sharp criticism from residents and traders. They say the move did not have intended result, but it causes congestion on service roads and key link roads compromising on safety. However, the traffic police has no immediate plan to roll back the “experimental changes” introduced two weeks back and. They said the new regulation would be in place till the work of the proposed flyovers completed at busy junctions like Vytilla and Palarivattom.
Under the traffic reforms, there are no signal restrictions on vehicles plying along the NH-47 bypass but the ones coming in from the city and the Tripunithura side will be diverted to take U-turns little away from the busy Vytilla junction. “We’re aware of the opposition. But vehicles along the highway save considerable time due to the changes. The new pattern of traffic flow will go on till the flyover at Vytilla gets completed,” said Bijoy Chandran, circle inspector, traffic east.
Meanwhile, residents have put up flex boards against the “unscientific” regulations citing congestion on Thykoodam Church Road, Bund Road, Sahakarana Road, Bhagat Singh Road, Dell Star Road and the NH service road.“Even after the new traffic plan, traffic jam can be seen at the end of Thykoodam Bridge, the Vytilla Junction and beneath the Vytilla Railway Overbridge at peak hours. The pedestrians are also finding difficulty in crossing roads since there is no signal. We demand deployment of more traffic wardens,” said Biju Damodaran, a resident.