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).