Sunday, March 29, 2009
Source: http://www.hindu.com
Those who want to make their vehicle's number plate a style statement, keep this statistics in mind - over 34,000 people were fined so far this year by Delhi police for not adhering to norms specified for it.
A total of 34,459 people were challaned by traffic police in the national capital this year for driving motor vehicles with registration number plates not conforming to specifications, a senior police official said here.
"We have collected Rs 34.45 lakh as fine from people in this regard this year till March 25," the official said noting that police have already issued advertisements asking vehicle owners to adhere to norms. Violating the norms with regard to number plates attracts a fine of Rs 100.
In a bid to ensure that vehicles are not misused for committing crime, the official said, the city police have already started cracking the whip on the owners violating these norms.
"We have seen people using fancy font for letters and numbers which cannot be read easily. This is against the rules," the official said.
According to the Motor Vehicles Act, all the letters should be in English (uppercase) and numerals should be in Arabic.
The background colour of number plates of private vehicles should be white while the colour of the letters should be black.
Similarly, for commercial vehicles the background colour should be yellow and for letters, black.
In case of two lines, the state code and registering authority code will form the first line and the rest will form the second line, one below the other.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Soon, traffic violations to invite hefty fines
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Get ready to pay heavier fines for traffic offences. A new Bill to amend the Motor Vehicles Act 1988 has been given the final touches. If passed as one of the first laws enacted by the
new government, as is expected, all traffic violations would invite a heavy penalty.
Officials told TOI that higher fines for violations like overspeeding, jumping red lights, wrong parking or driving without licence, are expected to be in place by the end of the year, so that there is disciplined traffic in the Capital before Commonwealth Games. Even if the new law is being rushed through because of the Games, it will be applicable across the country.
The move, however, suffers from one major infirmity — while efforts are on to steeply increases the penalty, there is no talk of ensuring that the laws themselves are realistic. For instance, in Delhi the flat speed limit is 50 kmph — so unrealistically low that no one observes it -- but the new Bill proposes to hike the fine for overspeeding from Rs 400 to Rs 1,000.
According to the other proposed amendments, jumping red lights or not wearing seat belt would invite a penalty of Rs 500 instead of Rs 100 at present. It is also proposed that parking in no-parking zones would invite a fine of Rs 1,500 instead of Rs 100 at present.
The fine for talking on mobile phones while driving is proposed to be increased to Rs 1,000 against the existing penalty of Rs 400. There is no clarity on whether hands-free is allowed, although local police officers say that it's banned as it is a "distraction". When pointed out that talking too a co-passenger could then also be seen as a "distraction", one officer laughed it off.
There is also a proposal to introduce some new sections in the Act. For instance, there is a proposal to introduce a new "Section 187-A" under which the civil liability of drivers caught causing injury or damage to another road user due to rash and negligent driving will be fined Rs 5,000. Sources said that Delhi Traffic Police had suggested that the fine should be still higher, Rs 10,000.
It's proposed that the money collected would be put in a "Solatium Fund" for compensation to victims of hit-and-run accident cases.
The fine for commercial vehicles is higher. The fine for overspeeding for trucks, buses and cabs is proposed to be hiked to Rs 2,000. The existing fines were reportedly last revised way back in the late 1970s. Since then traffic conditions, nature of violations and value of money has dramatically changed.
The draft has been prepared by the Union Ministry of Road Transport, Shipping and Highways. "The draft was tabled before the Rajya Sabha on May 15, 2007 and a standing committee was constituted to look into it. The committee gave its recommendations on April 28, 2008 after which the document was sent to various ministries for their comments and views. The final draft is now ready," said a senior ministry official, who pleaded anonymity.
As soon as the new government is formed, the draft will be sent to the concerned ministries for a final approval, after which it will be tabled in Parliament. Sources say that the process will be completed this year itself as it is a "high priority Bill". Said an official: "There are lots of issues involved and the Bill will be discussed in both Houses. It's implementation is already delayed."
When the draft came to Delhi Traffic Police, after it was seen by the Parliamentary Standing Committee, the police reportedly recommended some further changes like different fines for private and commercial vehicles for the same offences.
Similarly, the standing committee recommended different fines for drunken driving as per the alcohol content in the blood — Rs 2,000 for a range of 30-60 ml, Rs 4,000 for 60-150 ml and Rs 5,000 for over 150 ml. But Delhi Traffic Police was reportedly of the opinion that one fine rate of Rs 2,000 for the first offence and Rs 3,000 thereafter would be better.
When contacted, Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic), S N Shrivastava, said: "We have sent our recommendations to the ministry for the increase. I would not like to comment any further on the matter."
Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Get ready to pay heavier fines for traffic offences. A new Bill to amend the Motor Vehicles Act 1988 has been given the final touches. If passed as one of the first laws enacted by the
new government, as is expected, all traffic violations would invite a heavy penalty.
Officials told TOI that higher fines for violations like overspeeding, jumping red lights, wrong parking or driving without licence, are expected to be in place by the end of the year, so that there is disciplined traffic in the Capital before Commonwealth Games. Even if the new law is being rushed through because of the Games, it will be applicable across the country.
The move, however, suffers from one major infirmity — while efforts are on to steeply increases the penalty, there is no talk of ensuring that the laws themselves are realistic. For instance, in Delhi the flat speed limit is 50 kmph — so unrealistically low that no one observes it -- but the new Bill proposes to hike the fine for overspeeding from Rs 400 to Rs 1,000.
According to the other proposed amendments, jumping red lights or not wearing seat belt would invite a penalty of Rs 500 instead of Rs 100 at present. It is also proposed that parking in no-parking zones would invite a fine of Rs 1,500 instead of Rs 100 at present.
The fine for talking on mobile phones while driving is proposed to be increased to Rs 1,000 against the existing penalty of Rs 400. There is no clarity on whether hands-free is allowed, although local police officers say that it's banned as it is a "distraction". When pointed out that talking too a co-passenger could then also be seen as a "distraction", one officer laughed it off.
There is also a proposal to introduce some new sections in the Act. For instance, there is a proposal to introduce a new "Section 187-A" under which the civil liability of drivers caught causing injury or damage to another road user due to rash and negligent driving will be fined Rs 5,000. Sources said that Delhi Traffic Police had suggested that the fine should be still higher, Rs 10,000.
It's proposed that the money collected would be put in a "Solatium Fund" for compensation to victims of hit-and-run accident cases.
The fine for commercial vehicles is higher. The fine for overspeeding for trucks, buses and cabs is proposed to be hiked to Rs 2,000. The existing fines were reportedly last revised way back in the late 1970s. Since then traffic conditions, nature of violations and value of money has dramatically changed.
The draft has been prepared by the Union Ministry of Road Transport, Shipping and Highways. "The draft was tabled before the Rajya Sabha on May 15, 2007 and a standing committee was constituted to look into it. The committee gave its recommendations on April 28, 2008 after which the document was sent to various ministries for their comments and views. The final draft is now ready," said a senior ministry official, who pleaded anonymity.
As soon as the new government is formed, the draft will be sent to the concerned ministries for a final approval, after which it will be tabled in Parliament. Sources say that the process will be completed this year itself as it is a "high priority Bill". Said an official: "There are lots of issues involved and the Bill will be discussed in both Houses. It's implementation is already delayed."
When the draft came to Delhi Traffic Police, after it was seen by the Parliamentary Standing Committee, the police reportedly recommended some further changes like different fines for private and commercial vehicles for the same offences.
Similarly, the standing committee recommended different fines for drunken driving as per the alcohol content in the blood — Rs 2,000 for a range of 30-60 ml, Rs 4,000 for 60-150 ml and Rs 5,000 for over 150 ml. But Delhi Traffic Police was reportedly of the opinion that one fine rate of Rs 2,000 for the first offence and Rs 3,000 thereafter would be better.
When contacted, Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic), S N Shrivastava, said: "We have sent our recommendations to the ministry for the increase. I would not like to comment any further on the matter."
Friday, March 27, 2009
DDA to develop 9 multi-level car parks
Friday, March 27, 2009
Source: http://www.expressindia.com/
The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has invited tenders for nine plots to build multi-level parking lots in the Capital.
According to sources, these plots will be developed on a Public Private Partnership (PPP) basis similar to the model followed by the agency for its Nehru Place multi-level parking lot. The parking lots, which will have anywhere between three to seven levels depending on size and location, will be built at community centres or district centres in Dwarka, Janakpuri, Hari Nagar, Wazirpur, Okhla, Motia Khan, Mayur Place and Yamuna Vihar.
“We have invited tenders for the project. The sealed tenders will be opened on March 30,” Neemo Dhar, Director, Public Relations, DDA, said.
DDA officials also confirmed that the plots include a “commercial component”. Those buying these plots can run restaurants, shops and other permitted commercial establishments.
“A consultant will be roped in to provide a complete feasibility study on the project, including details of the size of the commercial component and the design and layout of the parking lots,” a senior DDA official said.
The development of these parking lots and the regulatory framework for the commercial complexes will be in keeping with the guidelines of the Masterplan 2021, the official said.
The reserve price for these plots range between Rs 31.59 crore for a plot in Yamuna Vihar to Rs 365.68 crore for a plot in Mayur Place.
The first multi-level parking lot was developed by the DDA in 2006 at Nehru Place. The plot had provisions for 70 per cent parking and 30 per cent commercial space.
“For the Nehru Place complex, the commercial component was a very large chunk of the plot. We will scale it down for the new projects. The plot in Rohini, for example, will have a commercial component of 10 to 15 per cent,” the official said.
Source: http://www.expressindia.com/
The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has invited tenders for nine plots to build multi-level parking lots in the Capital.
According to sources, these plots will be developed on a Public Private Partnership (PPP) basis similar to the model followed by the agency for its Nehru Place multi-level parking lot. The parking lots, which will have anywhere between three to seven levels depending on size and location, will be built at community centres or district centres in Dwarka, Janakpuri, Hari Nagar, Wazirpur, Okhla, Motia Khan, Mayur Place and Yamuna Vihar.
“We have invited tenders for the project. The sealed tenders will be opened on March 30,” Neemo Dhar, Director, Public Relations, DDA, said.
DDA officials also confirmed that the plots include a “commercial component”. Those buying these plots can run restaurants, shops and other permitted commercial establishments.
“A consultant will be roped in to provide a complete feasibility study on the project, including details of the size of the commercial component and the design and layout of the parking lots,” a senior DDA official said.
The development of these parking lots and the regulatory framework for the commercial complexes will be in keeping with the guidelines of the Masterplan 2021, the official said.
The reserve price for these plots range between Rs 31.59 crore for a plot in Yamuna Vihar to Rs 365.68 crore for a plot in Mayur Place.
The first multi-level parking lot was developed by the DDA in 2006 at Nehru Place. The plot had provisions for 70 per cent parking and 30 per cent commercial space.
“For the Nehru Place complex, the commercial component was a very large chunk of the plot. We will scale it down for the new projects. The plot in Rohini, for example, will have a commercial component of 10 to 15 per cent,” the official said.
Delhi has a new traffic helpline number
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Source: http://www.indianexpress.com
An easy to remember four-digit telephone helpline for providing tips on Delhi Traffic was launched on Wednesday.
"The helpline number -- 1095 -- was allotted to Delhi Police recently," Delhi Police Commissioner Y S Dadwal said.
Earlier the helpline number was 23010101.
A senior police official said that people can call the helpline even from mobile phone without dialing the STD code.
Delhi Police already has two four digit helplines – 1090 for 'Eyes and Ears' scheme for providing inputs about crime and security scenario and 1092 for senior citizens to seek police help.
Source: http://www.indianexpress.com
An easy to remember four-digit telephone helpline for providing tips on Delhi Traffic was launched on Wednesday.
"The helpline number -- 1095 -- was allotted to Delhi Police recently," Delhi Police Commissioner Y S Dadwal said.
Earlier the helpline number was 23010101.
A senior police official said that people can call the helpline even from mobile phone without dialing the STD code.
Delhi Police already has two four digit helplines – 1090 for 'Eyes and Ears' scheme for providing inputs about crime and security scenario and 1092 for senior citizens to seek police help.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Check vehicles bearing police emblem: Delhi Police
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Source: http://news.indiainfo.com/
City Police Commissioner Y S Dadwal has directed traffic policemen to keep an eye on vehicles displaying red and blue stripes.It comes in the light of the four accused being arrested for the murder of IT executive Jigisha Ghosh and TV news producer Sowmya Viswanathan. Delhi police found symbols akin to the police emblem on their car.
Apprehending that criminals may use their emblem to "mislead" public and sleuths, city Police Commissioner Y S Dadwal wants the vehicles to be thoroughly checked besides verifying the identity of those travelling in it. "Many vehicles are seen plying in the capital with this emblem. The Commissioner has asked policemen to check these vehicles to ensure that no one is misusing it," a senior police official said.
Police had seized a hologram of a judge of Punjab and Haryana High Court, two wireless sets, two blue plastic plates with three stars used by DG level officer and one star used by DIG level officer from their vehicle used to allegedly murder Ghosh.
Source: http://news.indiainfo.com/
City Police Commissioner Y S Dadwal has directed traffic policemen to keep an eye on vehicles displaying red and blue stripes.It comes in the light of the four accused being arrested for the murder of IT executive Jigisha Ghosh and TV news producer Sowmya Viswanathan. Delhi police found symbols akin to the police emblem on their car.
Apprehending that criminals may use their emblem to "mislead" public and sleuths, city Police Commissioner Y S Dadwal wants the vehicles to be thoroughly checked besides verifying the identity of those travelling in it. "Many vehicles are seen plying in the capital with this emblem. The Commissioner has asked policemen to check these vehicles to ensure that no one is misusing it," a senior police official said.
Police had seized a hologram of a judge of Punjab and Haryana High Court, two wireless sets, two blue plastic plates with three stars used by DG level officer and one star used by DIG level officer from their vehicle used to allegedly murder Ghosh.
Chandni Chowk plan in a jam
Monday, March 24, 2009
Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com
The redevelopment plan of Chandni Chowk has been in the works for quite some time but work is yet to take off with heavy traffic in
the area being the main concern. There are proposals of either making the road from Red Fort to Fatehpuri one-way as this stretch has to be resurfaced or blocking vehicular traffic during the project implementation period.
Abhimanyu Dalal, architect in-charge of the redevelopment project, said: "We are still assessing how to implement the plan. For the period during which the project will be carried out, we are looking at making traffic flow from Red Fort to Fatehpuri one-way while work is carried out on one side of the road. People can leave or enter through Church Mission Road or from Fatehpuri side. Work such as micro-surfacing the road and creating service ducts will take three months. We are consulting CRRI on how to implement the plan. ''
Dalal added: "We want to restrict entry and exit timings of trucks and other vehicles and also allow other vehicles inside the area till a certain point to make it more pedestrian-friendly.''
Deputy commissioner, city zone, Vijay Singh, feels that restricting vehicular traffic for the time work is going on will be the best option. "While the tendering process for carrying out the work has been completed it has to be tabled in the standing committee for approval,'' he said.
Said secretary of Chandni Chowk traders association Sanjay Bharghav: "We have been awaiting redevelopment of the area for over four years. Chandni Chowk attracts highest number of tourists but little has been done to improve and upgrade facilities in the area.''
While the plan aims at increasing pedestrian walking space by restricting vehicular traffic, the fact remains that even as cycle-rickshaws were banned sometime back, they can still be seen plying on the road. Other aspects of the plan include uniform signages and restoration of original pillars and facades besides upgrading facilities like public urinals and tourist centres.
Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com
The redevelopment plan of Chandni Chowk has been in the works for quite some time but work is yet to take off with heavy traffic in
the area being the main concern. There are proposals of either making the road from Red Fort to Fatehpuri one-way as this stretch has to be resurfaced or blocking vehicular traffic during the project implementation period.
Abhimanyu Dalal, architect in-charge of the redevelopment project, said: "We are still assessing how to implement the plan. For the period during which the project will be carried out, we are looking at making traffic flow from Red Fort to Fatehpuri one-way while work is carried out on one side of the road. People can leave or enter through Church Mission Road or from Fatehpuri side. Work such as micro-surfacing the road and creating service ducts will take three months. We are consulting CRRI on how to implement the plan. ''
Dalal added: "We want to restrict entry and exit timings of trucks and other vehicles and also allow other vehicles inside the area till a certain point to make it more pedestrian-friendly.''
Deputy commissioner, city zone, Vijay Singh, feels that restricting vehicular traffic for the time work is going on will be the best option. "While the tendering process for carrying out the work has been completed it has to be tabled in the standing committee for approval,'' he said.
Said secretary of Chandni Chowk traders association Sanjay Bharghav: "We have been awaiting redevelopment of the area for over four years. Chandni Chowk attracts highest number of tourists but little has been done to improve and upgrade facilities in the area.''
While the plan aims at increasing pedestrian walking space by restricting vehicular traffic, the fact remains that even as cycle-rickshaws were banned sometime back, they can still be seen plying on the road. Other aspects of the plan include uniform signages and restoration of original pillars and facades besides upgrading facilities like public urinals and tourist centres.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
BRT in East Delhi
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Source: http://www.mid-day.com
If you had thought that the BRT mess was a thing of the past, brave yourself for bad news. Though the Delhi government is yet to draw up the final plans for the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Corridor in East Delhi, residents and commuters are already up in arms against it.
Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit chaired a meeting with the transport department and the Delhi Integrated Multi Modal Transit System Ltd (DIMTS) officials on Tuesday to review BRT corridors. Besides, to work out a detailed project report for the Moolchand-Jahangirpuri stretch, the city government has asked the transport department to extend the Karawal Nagar- Shastri Park BRT corridor upto the Games Village near Akshardham.
"The BRT is being expanded to improve the public transport system. The government will address every problem," said Commi-ssioner, Transport, RK Verma.
The traffic volume on Vikas Marg is as high as 15,000 passenger car units per hour, according to traffic experts. The Shastri Park Games village has important links which connect parts of East Delhi to Ghaziabad and Noida.
The corridor would be disastrous as East Delhi has high traffic volume, say residents. "It will trigger chaos. Instead of finding a solution, the government is creating a new problem," said Rohit Kumar, a resident of Shastri Nagar in East Delhi.
"Now I have to avoid the Noida Link Road because there is every possibility of similar traffic jams like those in south Delhi," said Mayank Jain, who works with an IT firm in Noida and commutes between Delhi and Noida daily by his car.
The south Delhi BRT experiment was disastrous; the government should learn a lesson from its mistake, feel east Delhi residents. "People in south Delhi are already bearing the brunt of the BRT. Now we will have to face it too. For two wheeler and car drivers the situation will be very bad," said Raju Chaudhary, a businessman residing in Mayur Vihar.
In the same tone, Transport Head, School of Planning and Architecture, PK Sarkar, said, "We have been insisting the BRT is not for a city like Delhi with high traffic volume. Heterogeneity of traffic is another impediment in the plan."
Source: http://www.mid-day.com
If you had thought that the BRT mess was a thing of the past, brave yourself for bad news. Though the Delhi government is yet to draw up the final plans for the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Corridor in East Delhi, residents and commuters are already up in arms against it.
Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit chaired a meeting with the transport department and the Delhi Integrated Multi Modal Transit System Ltd (DIMTS) officials on Tuesday to review BRT corridors. Besides, to work out a detailed project report for the Moolchand-Jahangirpuri stretch, the city government has asked the transport department to extend the Karawal Nagar- Shastri Park BRT corridor upto the Games Village near Akshardham.
"The BRT is being expanded to improve the public transport system. The government will address every problem," said Commi-ssioner, Transport, RK Verma.
The traffic volume on Vikas Marg is as high as 15,000 passenger car units per hour, according to traffic experts. The Shastri Park Games village has important links which connect parts of East Delhi to Ghaziabad and Noida.
The corridor would be disastrous as East Delhi has high traffic volume, say residents. "It will trigger chaos. Instead of finding a solution, the government is creating a new problem," said Rohit Kumar, a resident of Shastri Nagar in East Delhi.
"Now I have to avoid the Noida Link Road because there is every possibility of similar traffic jams like those in south Delhi," said Mayank Jain, who works with an IT firm in Noida and commutes between Delhi and Noida daily by his car.
The south Delhi BRT experiment was disastrous; the government should learn a lesson from its mistake, feel east Delhi residents. "People in south Delhi are already bearing the brunt of the BRT. Now we will have to face it too. For two wheeler and car drivers the situation will be very bad," said Raju Chaudhary, a businessman residing in Mayur Vihar.
In the same tone, Transport Head, School of Planning and Architecture, PK Sarkar, said, "We have been insisting the BRT is not for a city like Delhi with high traffic volume. Heterogeneity of traffic is another impediment in the plan."
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Delhi Police to change helpline numbers
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Source: http://www.indianexpress.com
an't remember Delhi Police's helpline numbers. There is good news as the city police is soon changing all its eight digit helpline numbers to four digit numbers.
Delhi Police has already approached authorities for obtaining easy-to-remember four digit numbers for its anti-obscene and anti-recovery agent helpline, a senior police official said.
The force is seeking the number 1096 for anti-obscene helpline and 1097 for anti-recovery agent helpline, the official said.
Once approved, these helplines would add to the existing four helplines which have four digit numbers. They are senior citizens helpline (1291), Eyes and Ears (1090), Women's Helpline (1091) and Traffic (1095).
The four digit number for the traffic helpline was received by Delhi Police this month only.
"Earlier, we had eight digit numbers and it was very difficult to remember. The change into four digit will provide more reach," the official said, adding people can call the helpline even from mobile phone without dialling the STD code.
The anti-obscene helpline, which was set up in December last year, has so far received 3,181 calls, out of which 3,020 cases were sorted out.
The various helplines have received 10,292 calls last year in which calls related to women in distress were 6,024 and senior citizens 2,524. Calls from children and students were 1,564.
Out of the 6,204 calls by women, 3,811 calls were considered important and were dealt by special women mobile squads.
The helpline for eyes and years is for crime intelligence development while the senior citizens helpline caters to their problems.
Source: http://www.indianexpress.com
an't remember Delhi Police's helpline numbers. There is good news as the city police is soon changing all its eight digit helpline numbers to four digit numbers.
Delhi Police has already approached authorities for obtaining easy-to-remember four digit numbers for its anti-obscene and anti-recovery agent helpline, a senior police official said.
The force is seeking the number 1096 for anti-obscene helpline and 1097 for anti-recovery agent helpline, the official said.
Once approved, these helplines would add to the existing four helplines which have four digit numbers. They are senior citizens helpline (1291), Eyes and Ears (1090), Women's Helpline (1091) and Traffic (1095).
The four digit number for the traffic helpline was received by Delhi Police this month only.
"Earlier, we had eight digit numbers and it was very difficult to remember. The change into four digit will provide more reach," the official said, adding people can call the helpline even from mobile phone without dialling the STD code.
The anti-obscene helpline, which was set up in December last year, has so far received 3,181 calls, out of which 3,020 cases were sorted out.
The various helplines have received 10,292 calls last year in which calls related to women in distress were 6,024 and senior citizens 2,524. Calls from children and students were 1,564.
Out of the 6,204 calls by women, 3,811 calls were considered important and were dealt by special women mobile squads.
The helpline for eyes and years is for crime intelligence development while the senior citizens helpline caters to their problems.
Call 1095 for Delhi traffic problems
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com
For any traffic related problem in the capital call 1095.
‘A four digit number has been allotted to Delhi traffic police and commuters can easily get in touch with the traffic police,’ Delhi Police Commissioner Y.S Dadwal told reporters.
Dadwal said traffic police has become more vigilant and there was a sharp increase in prosecutions for traffic violations.
Delhi Police has also started a motorcycle verification drive in the capital to put a check on stolen vehicles being used by criminals.
‘We have verified 34,977 motorcycles in the capital so far and have found several riders with fake registration. This will help in checking crimes in the capital,’ said Dadwal.
Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com
For any traffic related problem in the capital call 1095.
‘A four digit number has been allotted to Delhi traffic police and commuters can easily get in touch with the traffic police,’ Delhi Police Commissioner Y.S Dadwal told reporters.
Dadwal said traffic police has become more vigilant and there was a sharp increase in prosecutions for traffic violations.
Delhi Police has also started a motorcycle verification drive in the capital to put a check on stolen vehicles being used by criminals.
‘We have verified 34,977 motorcycles in the capital so far and have found several riders with fake registration. This will help in checking crimes in the capital,’ said Dadwal.
Variable speed could make Dwarka flyover safe
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com
The fatal accidents on the Dwarka flyover has led to some road safety experts calling for the speed limit on it to be lowered. They have argued that a major reason why two-wheeler riders have been hitting against the sharp bends was speed and the ideal limit should be 25-30 kmph and not 50 kmph. But then why have the flyover at all if it only slows you down?
"There can't be a reduction of speed limit on a flyover because it defeats the entire idea of providing free passage. Flyovers are constructed to be freeways,'' said TK Malhotra, president of Automobile Association of Upper India.
The right solution would be introducing variable speed limits on the flyover which is 4-km long. Delhi Development Authority has already started installing multiple speedbreakers and rumble-strips before the curves so that vehicles are forced to slow down. With the speed bumps in place, variable speeds will automatically get enforced. So, motorists can effectively enter the flyover at a high speed, say 80 kmph at which people normally drive in the city, and gradually be guided to slow down to 30-40 kmph before the 135 degree curves by means of signages, till they eventually hit the speedbreakers.
After negotiating the first curve, they can speed up again for a distance of about 1 km before they approach the signages for the second sharp bend, where another set of speedbreakers is coming up.
The remaining portion of the flyover a distance of about 1 km is straight and the speed limit can be increased again after that. For those headed for Delhi from Dwarka, the flyover is followed by an underpass where the same speed limit (80 kmph) can be continued to ensure non-stop movement.
What is required to make the stretch safer is stringent enforcement of these speed limits and ensuring that proper information systems like signages and warning signs are always in place. "Road users need to be informed of the steep curves by means of signages which are properly visible. There should be warning signs even before the flyover starts so that motorists are well aware of the road conditions ahead,'' said Malhotra.
Officials of the traffic police feel that variable speed limits are tougher to enforce. "There is an acute shortage of staff. Setting different speed limits on a small stretch will make it next to impossible to prosecute people as multiple teams can't be posted on it,'' said an official.
This is where experts feel automated speed check cameras can help in enforcement. The capital already has speed cameras at some intersections. "Modern prosecution devices for checking speed can be installed on the Dwarka flyover too to ensure that everyone sticks to the prescribed limit,'' feels Rohit Baluja, President of Institute of Road Traffic Education (IRTE).
Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com
The fatal accidents on the Dwarka flyover has led to some road safety experts calling for the speed limit on it to be lowered. They have argued that a major reason why two-wheeler riders have been hitting against the sharp bends was speed and the ideal limit should be 25-30 kmph and not 50 kmph. But then why have the flyover at all if it only slows you down?
"There can't be a reduction of speed limit on a flyover because it defeats the entire idea of providing free passage. Flyovers are constructed to be freeways,'' said TK Malhotra, president of Automobile Association of Upper India.
The right solution would be introducing variable speed limits on the flyover which is 4-km long. Delhi Development Authority has already started installing multiple speedbreakers and rumble-strips before the curves so that vehicles are forced to slow down. With the speed bumps in place, variable speeds will automatically get enforced. So, motorists can effectively enter the flyover at a high speed, say 80 kmph at which people normally drive in the city, and gradually be guided to slow down to 30-40 kmph before the 135 degree curves by means of signages, till they eventually hit the speedbreakers.
After negotiating the first curve, they can speed up again for a distance of about 1 km before they approach the signages for the second sharp bend, where another set of speedbreakers is coming up.
The remaining portion of the flyover a distance of about 1 km is straight and the speed limit can be increased again after that. For those headed for Delhi from Dwarka, the flyover is followed by an underpass where the same speed limit (80 kmph) can be continued to ensure non-stop movement.
What is required to make the stretch safer is stringent enforcement of these speed limits and ensuring that proper information systems like signages and warning signs are always in place. "Road users need to be informed of the steep curves by means of signages which are properly visible. There should be warning signs even before the flyover starts so that motorists are well aware of the road conditions ahead,'' said Malhotra.
Officials of the traffic police feel that variable speed limits are tougher to enforce. "There is an acute shortage of staff. Setting different speed limits on a small stretch will make it next to impossible to prosecute people as multiple teams can't be posted on it,'' said an official.
This is where experts feel automated speed check cameras can help in enforcement. The capital already has speed cameras at some intersections. "Modern prosecution devices for checking speed can be installed on the Dwarka flyover too to ensure that everyone sticks to the prescribed limit,'' feels Rohit Baluja, President of Institute of Road Traffic Education (IRTE).
Friday, March 13, 2009
Holi drive: Cops slam brakes on 9,000 revellers
Friday, March 13, 2009
Source: http://www.expressindia.com
The Delhi traffic police worked overtime, it seems, on Holi day. In a record of sorts, they issued challans to more than 9,000 motorists for various traffic offences on Wednesday. The figure was 3,260 last Holi.
“The biggest offenders this year were two-wheeler riders,” said Joint Commissioner S N Shrivastava.
A majority of the offenders who were issued challans were riding without helmet. “It was also the first time that we issued challans to such a high number of motorists (794) in a single day for driving under the influence of liquor,” Shrivastava added. Last year, only 308 people were issued challans for the offence.
Looking at the success this time, the traffic police are now planning to pitch their campaign for awareness on safety. On Wednesday, the drive was carried out in two parts between 9.30 am and 3 pm and then from 6 pm to 8 pm. Specific areas, which had recorded highest number of accidents in the previous years, were specially targeted.
The police, however, did not arrest any of the offenders.
Eight people, meanwhile, lost their lives in different accidents on Wednesday. In 2008, accidents had claimed 13 lives on Holi. “In three of the fatal cases, motorcyclists were involved and the victim riders were to blame for the accidents,” said Shrivastava.
Two accidents, claiming five lives, occurred in the Palam village area. Four members of a family died when they fell off a flyover after their motorcycle lost control and hit the crash barrier on Wednesday afternoon. In another accident, a 20-year-old biker died after his two-wheeler skidded.
In Sector 16 of Dwarka, a 42-year-old man died when his scooter was hit by a speeding Tata 407. The tempo driver managed to flee, the police said.
A 45-year-old man lost his life while his nephew sustained injuries when their scooter skidded in Ashok Vihar area of Northwest district on Wednesday. According to the police, the man was driving under the influence of alcohol and was speeding.
In yet another accident, a 35-year-old man died when an unknown vehicle hit him in New Ashok Nagar area of East district.
The spate of fatal accidents continued on Thursday. While a 60-year-old man was run over by a speeding Blueline bus in Bhajanpura area of Northeast Delhi, a four-year-old boy lost his life after a speeding Delhi Jal Board (DJB) tanker crushed him in Rajouri Garden area of West district.
Who got how many
Two-wheelers: 6,044
Cars: 2,433
Speeding: 653
Riding without helmet: 3,222
Triple riding: 738
Jumping red light: 1,482
Dangerous driving: 347
Drunken driving: 794
Source: http://www.expressindia.com
The Delhi traffic police worked overtime, it seems, on Holi day. In a record of sorts, they issued challans to more than 9,000 motorists for various traffic offences on Wednesday. The figure was 3,260 last Holi.
“The biggest offenders this year were two-wheeler riders,” said Joint Commissioner S N Shrivastava.
A majority of the offenders who were issued challans were riding without helmet. “It was also the first time that we issued challans to such a high number of motorists (794) in a single day for driving under the influence of liquor,” Shrivastava added. Last year, only 308 people were issued challans for the offence.
Looking at the success this time, the traffic police are now planning to pitch their campaign for awareness on safety. On Wednesday, the drive was carried out in two parts between 9.30 am and 3 pm and then from 6 pm to 8 pm. Specific areas, which had recorded highest number of accidents in the previous years, were specially targeted.
The police, however, did not arrest any of the offenders.
Eight people, meanwhile, lost their lives in different accidents on Wednesday. In 2008, accidents had claimed 13 lives on Holi. “In three of the fatal cases, motorcyclists were involved and the victim riders were to blame for the accidents,” said Shrivastava.
Two accidents, claiming five lives, occurred in the Palam village area. Four members of a family died when they fell off a flyover after their motorcycle lost control and hit the crash barrier on Wednesday afternoon. In another accident, a 20-year-old biker died after his two-wheeler skidded.
In Sector 16 of Dwarka, a 42-year-old man died when his scooter was hit by a speeding Tata 407. The tempo driver managed to flee, the police said.
A 45-year-old man lost his life while his nephew sustained injuries when their scooter skidded in Ashok Vihar area of Northwest district on Wednesday. According to the police, the man was driving under the influence of alcohol and was speeding.
In yet another accident, a 35-year-old man died when an unknown vehicle hit him in New Ashok Nagar area of East district.
The spate of fatal accidents continued on Thursday. While a 60-year-old man was run over by a speeding Blueline bus in Bhajanpura area of Northeast Delhi, a four-year-old boy lost his life after a speeding Delhi Jal Board (DJB) tanker crushed him in Rajouri Garden area of West district.
Who got how many
Two-wheelers: 6,044
Cars: 2,433
Speeding: 653
Riding without helmet: 3,222
Triple riding: 738
Jumping red light: 1,482
Dangerous driving: 347
Drunken driving: 794
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Smooth sailing of taxi, auto in NCR stuck as babus debate colour
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Source: http://www.expressindia.com
The plan to abolish state boundaries for public conveyance in the National Capital Region (NCR) is still stuck on the drawing board with the Delhi Traffic Police complaining that the suggested white-and-blue colour code for these vehicles may not be distinguishing enough.
In July 2008, the state governments of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan and Delhi had notified a common transport agreement that would allow unrestricted movement of each state’s buses, taxis and autos in the entire region. At present, other states’ vehicles are either barred from entering other states or have to pay a hefty toll.
But this much anticipated protocol, almost a boon for anti-state commuters, is now caught in a wrangle with the Delhi government and the NCR Planning Board mulling a few changes in the colour code. Transport department officials said the planning board in January had suggested all permitted cabs and autos be painted white, with a blue strip for identification. No colour code for buses has been fixed yet.
But in a meeting on February 25, attended by all stakeholders, the traffic police reportedly said these vehicles might look too similar. An official said: “The licence plate is not enough to identify vehicles from each state. There has to be a unique feature on a state’s vehicles so that it can be identified from a distance.”
The protocol suggests that a vehicle can only travel to and fro according to the passenger’s requirements. The official said: “The police will have to ensure that a vehicle entering Delhi goes back after dropping the passenger and does not ferry people here.” He added: “Besides, the colour code is also similar to that of tourist cabs. This may lead to confusion.”
Delhi’s Transport Commissioner R K Verma, along with officials from other states, will now approach the Ministry of Shipping and Transport to formalise an appropriate colour scheme. The distribution of forms for cab and auto permits — slotted for February 28 — has been also postponed.
Meanwhile, taxi and auto drivers are getting restless. General Secretary of the Delhi Pradesh Taxi Union, Rajinder Soni, said: “I hope the details are finalised before the general elections are announced.”
Source: http://www.expressindia.com
The plan to abolish state boundaries for public conveyance in the National Capital Region (NCR) is still stuck on the drawing board with the Delhi Traffic Police complaining that the suggested white-and-blue colour code for these vehicles may not be distinguishing enough.
In July 2008, the state governments of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan and Delhi had notified a common transport agreement that would allow unrestricted movement of each state’s buses, taxis and autos in the entire region. At present, other states’ vehicles are either barred from entering other states or have to pay a hefty toll.
But this much anticipated protocol, almost a boon for anti-state commuters, is now caught in a wrangle with the Delhi government and the NCR Planning Board mulling a few changes in the colour code. Transport department officials said the planning board in January had suggested all permitted cabs and autos be painted white, with a blue strip for identification. No colour code for buses has been fixed yet.
But in a meeting on February 25, attended by all stakeholders, the traffic police reportedly said these vehicles might look too similar. An official said: “The licence plate is not enough to identify vehicles from each state. There has to be a unique feature on a state’s vehicles so that it can be identified from a distance.”
The protocol suggests that a vehicle can only travel to and fro according to the passenger’s requirements. The official said: “The police will have to ensure that a vehicle entering Delhi goes back after dropping the passenger and does not ferry people here.” He added: “Besides, the colour code is also similar to that of tourist cabs. This may lead to confusion.”
Delhi’s Transport Commissioner R K Verma, along with officials from other states, will now approach the Ministry of Shipping and Transport to formalise an appropriate colour scheme. The distribution of forms for cab and auto permits — slotted for February 28 — has been also postponed.
Meanwhile, taxi and auto drivers are getting restless. General Secretary of the Delhi Pradesh Taxi Union, Rajinder Soni, said: “I hope the details are finalised before the general elections are announced.”
MCD sets aside Rs 1000 crore for parking lots
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com
The MCD said it has made a provision of Rs 1000 crore for development of car
parking lots in various parts of Delhi, with work on four
such sites starting from today.
Leader of the Opposition in Delhi assembly V K Malhotra laid the foundation stone of an underground multi-level parking
place in Hauz Khas. Three more such sites will come up in Munirka Market, Model Town-II and Gandhi Nagar.
"In 2007, 24 sites were identified for construction of underground multi-level car parking sites. In this series, the work of construction of four such parking sites will start today," Mayor Arti Mehra said at the ceremony.
The site at Hauz Khas will be constructed at a cost of Rs 35 crore and will have space for 360 cars, Mehra said.
She also said that in the next two years, the remaining 350 temporary municipal school buildings will be converted into permanent ones. She said a 15-day cleanliness drive will be launched in Delhi from March 1.
Malhotra hoped work on the parking lots would be completed before the 2010 Commonwealth Games. He appealed to citizens to come forward to serve as volunteers during the mega event.
Municipal Commissioner K S Mehra announced that conventional parking sites will be developed on roads which have been notified as commercial or mixed land use.
MCD has kept Rs 1000 crore for development of parkings, Standing Committee Chairman Vijender Gupta said.
Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com
The MCD said it has made a provision of Rs 1000 crore for development of car
parking lots in various parts of Delhi, with work on four
such sites starting from today.
Leader of the Opposition in Delhi assembly V K Malhotra laid the foundation stone of an underground multi-level parking
place in Hauz Khas. Three more such sites will come up in Munirka Market, Model Town-II and Gandhi Nagar.
"In 2007, 24 sites were identified for construction of underground multi-level car parking sites. In this series, the work of construction of four such parking sites will start today," Mayor Arti Mehra said at the ceremony.
The site at Hauz Khas will be constructed at a cost of Rs 35 crore and will have space for 360 cars, Mehra said.
She also said that in the next two years, the remaining 350 temporary municipal school buildings will be converted into permanent ones. She said a 15-day cleanliness drive will be launched in Delhi from March 1.
Malhotra hoped work on the parking lots would be completed before the 2010 Commonwealth Games. He appealed to citizens to come forward to serve as volunteers during the mega event.
Municipal Commissioner K S Mehra announced that conventional parking sites will be developed on roads which have been notified as commercial or mixed land use.
MCD has kept Rs 1000 crore for development of parkings, Standing Committee Chairman Vijender Gupta said.
Plan to 'right' ITO mess
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com
As the government is yet to take a final decision on a decongestion plan for the busy ITO crossing, the traffic police are initiating
a change in circulation of traffic flow in the area. Starting Wednesday, right turns from the both the intersections leading from Tilak Marg to Mandi House will be banned during the evening rush hour. Also, the signal cycle at the main ITO crossing has been redone.
A survey of movement of vehicles at the intersection revealed that a majority of the traffic at the main ITO crossing is from central to east vehicles come from Tilak Marg or Sikandra Road and turn right towards Vikas Marg.
As the waiting time for this traffic is high, it leads to a pile-up at the crossing which often stretches beyond Tilak bridge to the next intersection. To reduce this delay, the traffic police have decided to increase the green time in the signal cycle for these vehicles from 5.30 pm to 7.30 pm.
"The new traffic circulation plan has been planned to reduce the waiting time at ITO crossing. People using the stretch can give their suggestions or lodge complaints at the 24-hour traffic police helpline at 23010101,'' said SN Shrivastava, joint commissioner of police (traffic).
During the evening rush hour, it was observed that very few vehicles turn right towards Mandi House roundabout from both the signals on Tilak Marg. A decision has been taken to block right turns from the Tilak Marg-Sikandra Road and Tilak Marg-Bhagwan Dass Road crossings. Traffic coming from ITO crossing and beyond can turn right from the first intersection onto Mathura road and take a right turn towards Bhagwan Dass Road from the first traffic light to reach Mandi House roundabout.
The right turn on the Tilak Marg-Sikandra Road crossing was closed for traffic a few years ago too to facilitate construction of the Delhi Metro line from Barakhamba Road to Indraprastha stations. At that time, however, traffic was allowed to move right on the Tilak Marg-Bhagwan Dass Road crossing to reach Mandi House
Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com
As the government is yet to take a final decision on a decongestion plan for the busy ITO crossing, the traffic police are initiating
a change in circulation of traffic flow in the area. Starting Wednesday, right turns from the both the intersections leading from Tilak Marg to Mandi House will be banned during the evening rush hour. Also, the signal cycle at the main ITO crossing has been redone.
A survey of movement of vehicles at the intersection revealed that a majority of the traffic at the main ITO crossing is from central to east vehicles come from Tilak Marg or Sikandra Road and turn right towards Vikas Marg.
As the waiting time for this traffic is high, it leads to a pile-up at the crossing which often stretches beyond Tilak bridge to the next intersection. To reduce this delay, the traffic police have decided to increase the green time in the signal cycle for these vehicles from 5.30 pm to 7.30 pm.
"The new traffic circulation plan has been planned to reduce the waiting time at ITO crossing. People using the stretch can give their suggestions or lodge complaints at the 24-hour traffic police helpline at 23010101,'' said SN Shrivastava, joint commissioner of police (traffic).
During the evening rush hour, it was observed that very few vehicles turn right towards Mandi House roundabout from both the signals on Tilak Marg. A decision has been taken to block right turns from the Tilak Marg-Sikandra Road and Tilak Marg-Bhagwan Dass Road crossings. Traffic coming from ITO crossing and beyond can turn right from the first intersection onto Mathura road and take a right turn towards Bhagwan Dass Road from the first traffic light to reach Mandi House roundabout.
The right turn on the Tilak Marg-Sikandra Road crossing was closed for traffic a few years ago too to facilitate construction of the Delhi Metro line from Barakhamba Road to Indraprastha stations. At that time, however, traffic was allowed to move right on the Tilak Marg-Bhagwan Dass Road crossing to reach Mandi House
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