More signboards are needed
According to Prakash Agarwal, senior police inspector, Vikhroli division, As of now there are very few boards, which is why we have asked the PWD to put up more boards on the highway from Chembur up to Mulund Check Naka. Agarwal adds that motorists on this stretch tend to cross the speed limit (which is 60 kmph), leading to accidents. It is necessary to make them aware of the speed limit, he adds.
Besides the speed limit boards, Agarwal says that the PWD should also erect boards highlighting accident-prone areas on the highway and also signs informing pedestrians of the benefits of using a subway. We have put up posters on our own wherever possible, says Agarwal. However these posters do not last long as people tend to remove slogans pasted on the wall.
Motorists also feel that the PWD should erect signboards at regular intervals. Mike Dias of the Welfare Organisation for Road Safety and Prevention of Accidents (WORSPA), says, The boards should be placed near signals, because if motorists suddenly encounter a signal they will not be able to slow down.
Dias adds, A few days ago, I was fined by the traffic department as I jumped the signal. I was going at a speed of 60 kmph and it was difficult to for me to suddenly slow down. To avoid incidents like these, proper signboards should be installed.
There is also no clear demarcation between the road and the elevated path near the start of a flyover, say motorists. This can lead to accidents if motorists on the road veer on to the path connecting to the flyover. If dividers are placed to demarcate the elevated path they should be indicated by signboards, since it may be difficult to spot them at night, says Dias.
P I Sukhdeve, an official from the public works department, says, We have received a list from the traffic department indicating where the signboards should be constructed. Although we will not able to meet all their demands due to lack of funds, we are in the process of erecting a few signboards.
Sukhdeve adds that the process is likely to be finalised over the next eight to 10 days.
manthan@mid-day.com
Signboards to be placed on Eastern Express Highway
Date: 2002-8-28
