Latest news with #GManuneethi
Time of India
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
There's no end in sight to wrong-side driving in Coimbatore
Coimbatore: Wrong-side driving is a common sight on the city roads, despite the traffic police's drive against the same. According to a traffic police officer, many motorists drive on the wrong side to avoid taking a U-turn and save time. He said the wrong-side driving was common on Nanjappa Road, Mettupalayam Road (at Kavundampalayam), Thadagam Road (at Idayarpalayam Junction) and Avinashi Road (near Uppilipalayam flyover). S Ashok Kumar, deputy police commissioner (traffic), said the motorists driving on the wrong side were endangering the lives of all road users, be it pedestrians or other motorists. "Two months ago, a two-wheeler on the wrong side of a road below a bridge at Eachanari caused a fatal accident. Wrong-side driving has caused four fatal accidents in the city in the past eight months." He urged the public not to drive on the wrong side of roads just to avoid travelling a few extra metres. "Mostly, people drive on the wrong side during the late night and early morning hours, when the traffic flow is less. Vehicles coming in the right direction often move at high speeds, and a sudden wrong-side entry could lead to accidents. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Experts Urge Seniors With Muscle Loss To Take This Key Nutrient Daily Native Creatine Learn More Undo Motorists should not hesitate to travel a few extra metres, while avoiding shortcuts. Traffic police personnel could not be deployed on all roads." He said a warning would be issued to the first-time offenders and a fine of Rs1,000 would be imposed on the motorists caught repeating the offence. G Manuneethi, divisional engineer (road safety), Highways Department, Coimbatore, said advanced cameras were now available in the market to detect traffic violations. "Such cameras should be installed on major roads to help prevent accidents caused by wrong-side driving. Mere awareness campaigns are not enough. Only strict enforcement could yield effective results."
New Indian Express
10-05-2025
- Automotive
- New Indian Express
Traffic snarls: Signals at Pal Company Junction to be removed
COIMBATORE: In a move aimed at improving traffic flow and addressing long-standing complaints from motorists, the road safety wing of the State Highways Department along with the traffic police wing is set to remove the traffic signals at the Pal Company Junction on the Thadagam-Anaikatti Road in Coimbatore. The decision comes after consistent public demand and detailed evaluation by the District Road Safety Committee. The Pal Company junction is the only signalised intersection on this busy stretch, and its removal is expected to significantly reduce traffic snarls, particularly during peak hours. According to sources, the traffic lights were introduced at the junction in the post-COVID period in an effort to streamline vehicle movement. However, contrary to expectations, the signals often led to bottlenecks, frustrating commuters and slowing down traffic flow. Speaking to TNIE, G Manuneethi, Divisional Engineer of the State Highways Department (Road Safety) in Coimbatore Division, said, "Many motorists had been urging us to re-evaluate the use of traffic signals at the Pal Company Junction. After a thorough study, we found that signalisation here was actually hampering smooth traffic movement rather than helping it." He also revealed that in response to public feedback and traffic assessments, the committee led by the district collector has approved the removal of the signals and the introduction of U-turn provisions along the stretch over a month ago. This measure is intended to allow vehicles to flow more freely while still maintaining road safety. Work on implementing the changes is expected to begin soon. Once completed, officials hope that traffic movement on the Thadagam-Anaikatti Road will become smoother and more efficient. Sources said that although the removal of the traffic signals and trial run of u-turns received approval more than a month ago, they are yet to be implemented as the traffic police wing is yet to begin the works and provide manpower. Meanwhile, officials are confident of starting the works of removing traffic signals and centre medians along with the streetlight poles on the stretch.
