Lack of awareness among Delhiites about traffic police's pedestrian-friendly initiative

Did you ever feel victimised as a pedestrian at a busy traffic intersection? Well your troubles could have

Hi-tech: Control panel installed at the Pelican crossing at India Gate. PIC/RAJEEV TYAGI

vanished at the press of a button, had the Delhi traffic police publicised one of its recent schemes.

It's been more than a year and still the pilot project ufffdPelican crossing ufffd that was flagged off to ensure safety of pedestrians, is a virtual no show. Though the Pelican signals have been installed at various crossings, particularly in south Delhi area, the public is yet to know that such a concept exists.

"I don't know what this Pelican signal is and how does it work," said Rajnish Singh, a puzzled pedestrian at India Gate, where the signal is installed. "I have never heard about this. Really, does suchu00a0u00a0 a thing function?" quipped another.u00a0

A Pelican crossing is a definitive light-controlled crossing that features a standard set of traffic lights with a push button and two coloured lamps for pedestrians using the crossing. So if the cars and two-wheelers are taking too much time at the signal, the pedestrians can press the button at the signal to cross the lane.

"If such a facility exists, I think it'll lead to more accidents. Because suddenly in the middle of traffic if a pedestrian goes and halts the traffic, half of the crowd will be on the other end and half will be in the process of crossing the road. It will only add to confusion," said Arun, who uses his car for commuting in the city.

For the people

The term Pelican crossing is used only in the United Kingdom but similar traffic control devices are in use throughout the world. Pelican type crossings sometimes have further non-visual indication that it is safe to cross, such as a beep, vibrating button or tactile rotating cone in order to assist blind or partially sighted pedestrians. How do you like the new new mid-day.com experience? Share your feedback and help us improve. Read Next Story BJP's spends crores on 'Mehenga' Rally› Trending Stories Latest Photos Latest Videos Latest Web Stories ADVERTISEMENT Mid-Day Fast ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT