cm special Praveen Sood (ACP, Traffic)
‘Better traffic management in 2011’ Critical projects for 2011 The focus for 2011 will be installing cameras for traffic monitoring and improving the signal system. We have 180 cameras installed across the city now, and are hoping to add 50 more. The number of signals will come down, as around 10 new flyovers will be opened this year. We are also looking at new technology, but technology will work only with good infrastructure. We are planning to synchronise signals in at least 20 corridors and make all signals vehicle-actuated. In this system, sensors are installed on roads at signals, to detect vehicles. The traffic signal will change according to the volume of vehicles detected. We had tried this earlier, but it did not work. For this, roads
should be the kind that last for 4-5 years.
Traffic problems due to Malls All malls are located at strategic corners, busy areas, of the city. You cannot stop them from coming up - they are there because of the demand. But they should be well managed with a scientific entry and exit system. Though malls make parking provisions for private vehicles, there is no provision for autos to park. Why not incorporate a bus bay also in the design of mall?
What are the top offences you will try to tackle this year? There will be more, stricter enforcement this year - drunken driving, over speeding and lane discipline will be the top offences to
File pic.
tackle. ⊕
bhaskar rao (Commissioner, transport & road safety)
‘project to prevent vehicle thefts’ What are the critical projects you are implementing this year? There are two projects we had planned to complete in 2010-11 –HSRP (High Security Registration Plates) for vehicles and a centralized Pic: Navya P K.
Vehicle Testing centre. They have got pushed to 2011-12. Another is ERP – computerisation of the entire department. (ERP is a software which allows different wings of the department to co-ordinate their work easily). This will bring in higher transparency and predictability in governance. The HSRP plan was stuck due to High Court stays, but the Supreme Court has now given it the go-ahead saying that the registration plates can come at rates less than Rs 500 and hence are viable. (HSRPs have security features and unique serial numbers to help prevent vehicle
thefts.) The centralised VTC planned in Nelamangala, will make the procedure easier. Currently there are 10 VTCs for the city, from where commercial vehicles have to get their fitness certificates. A separate VTC is being planned for autos too – this will be within the city itself as we do not want auto drivers to travel long distances to get their certificates.
You had said that a proposal would be sent to the government to levy tax on those buying a second car? We have sent a proposal for levying hefty fines for those who park on roads. Details of this cannot be disclosed now. There are no plans to impose taxes on second vehicles. ⊕ Navya P K spoke to the officials in this section. Please read complete interviews online.
Vol-2 Issue-25 15-28 Jan 2010 CITIZEN MATTERS 17