Socio Research & Reform Foundation

Concerned over the increase in the number of pedestrian deaths due to road accidents in the City, Delhi police on Monday launched ‘Respect the Pedestrians’, a campaign by Bollywood actor Vivek Oberoi.

The traffic police campaign highlights the need to stop your vehicle before the stop line, slow down vehicles near educational institutions and residential areas, and give way to pedestrians. The actor also requested people that “There has to be awareness on both ends. Both motorists and pedestrians must follow traffic rules. While the pedestrians must use pedestrian facilities like pedestrian crossing, foot over bridges and subways, the motorists must respect people out on the streets and follow the rules,”.

According to traffic cops, the number of pedestrian deaths has reduced over the last few years. While 960 pedestrians died in 2010 in road accidents, the number reduced to 946 in 2011.
The number of pedestrian deaths till January 31 this year has come down to 66 in comparison to 70 cases last January.

Source: Deccan Herald, New Delhi, Feb 13, 2012

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Socio Research & Reform Foundation
(A Non Government Organisation)
512 A, Deepshikha, 8 Rajendra Place, New Delhi – 110008
Tele/Fax: +91-11-25821088, 25817157, 25722044
e-mail: socio-research@sma.net.in

The Public Works Department (PWD) is all set to conduct a survey after the United Traffic and Transportation Infrastructure (Planning and Engineering) Centre (UTTIPEC) denied permission to construct a pedestrian bridge in Munirka stating that pedestrians do not use most of the bridges already in place. Hence, know the reasons and enhance the usage of the bridges and subways. With crores of rupees spent on their construction, civic agencies want pedestrian bridges to be utilised in a better manner

As part of the exercise, a team of young people has been stationed at all 70 pedestrian bridges in the city to keep an eye on the number of people using bridges and how often people are using them. The survey shall continue for a period of at least 15 days. Depending on the findings of the survey, PWD will make necessary changes such as installation of lifts and escalators on the bridges.

In a bid to reduce pedestrian road deaths, the Delhi traffic police are getting stringent on those who trespass and violate traffic rules & regulations. Around 600 people were challaned for jaywalking in the capital in the past three days as part of a new drive by Delhi Traffic Police. 233 jaywalkers were prosecuted on Thursday while 195 were challaned on Friday. Yesterday, the figure was 154.

A total of 582 pedestrians were fined Rs 50 each from Thursday during the drive at six locations — ITO, Kashmere Gate, Anand Vihar, Rajouri Garden, Africa Avenue and Bhogal. The major reason behind pedestrian road deaths is that people don’t use foot over bridges and subways. With flouting traffic rules they jeopardize their life as well as create problem for others. In order to stop such practices, the police have started penalizing people. We hope a fine to the tune of Rs 50 will definitely help in reducing jaywalking in the city.

Source: The Times of India PTI | Jan 22, 2012, 03.10PM IST

Delhi traffic police have come out with a new initiative to promote Pedestrian Safety, by offering a cash prize of Rs. 5000 for those using Foot over Bridges. The initiative was launched on Jan 1 as part of Road Safety Week and received a huge response. About 19,998 coupons were distributed to the people during the week during peak hours. The coupons were distributed on FOB outside the Income Tax Office near Pragati Maidan and in Anand Vihar.

Not all pedestrians, of course, received 5,000 rupees for using footbridges over Delhi’s roads. The recipient of the prize was decided by a lucky draw. There are plans to extend the scheme and make it a monthly affair. According to government records, which show 534 pedestrians were killed on the capital’s roads in 2010. The initiative might save lives.

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Socio Research and Reform Foundation
(A Non Government Organisation)
512 A, Deepshikha, 8 Rajendra Place, New Delhi – 110008
Tele/Fax: +91-11-25821088, 25817157, 25722044
e-mail: socio-research@sma.net.in

The introduction of Pelican system at various red lights in South Delhi will ensure a smooth road crossing facility to the pedestrians. The success of the system however depends on the usage by the public. The Traffic Police has activated the pedestrian crossing signal at the AIIMS, GK-I turn, Press Enclave Road and C-Hexagon roundabout. Once a person pushes the button attached to the signal pole, the traffic light turns red for 15 to 30 seconds that allows the pedestrian to cross the road.

The technology was first introduced sometime back but it never really took off, mainly due to lack of exposure and poor maintenance. Now a system is introduced in NOIDA too for averting Pedestrian accidents, the district administration put the first pelican crossing in operation. We wish it better luck this time !!

________________________________
Socio Research & Reform Foundation
(A Non Government Organisation)
512 A, Deepshikha, 8 Rajendra Place, New Delhi – 110008
Tele/Fax: +91-11-25821088, 25817157, 25722044
e-mail: socio-research@sma.net.in