I appriciate this facility by BTP/B-TRAC. This switch enables pedistrians to intervene automatic signal so that a green signal is forced for road crossing. As this seems relatively new, no one seems using it. Probably some volunteering work needed to educate users. We need more such signals at highways. Also I have seen traffic not respecting this new signal which has both visual and audio indications.
I could have suggested better placement of switch and instruction board though.
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Manual ped signals
Though it is manual operated, the signal lights change only after a while and change over automatically after a fixed time. So pedistrians need to wait for their turn to cross the road. This system is very usful where the No: of pedistrian crossing the roads are less and vehicle movements are more.
R V Raja Rao
Manual ped signals
This is a very usful system where the No: of pedistrian crossing the roads are less and vehicle movements are more. . Though it is manual operated, the signal lights change only after a while and change over automatically after a fixed time. So pedistrians need to wait for their turn to cross the road. This system may not work in areas like city Market, Majestic circle, etc.
R V Raja Rao
Totally out of order for last 6 months
Good that Praja has created "My Posts" section right in homepage. This made me to review and folloup few old posts. Then this post caught my eye, as literally nowadays we are struggling to cross the road in same location now. Ped signal is totally out-of-order. Why such investments from BTP, if they cant operate. BTP can sell the material on weight basis and get some ROI at least on that :)
Interestingly, what works best in "manual" way is a yellow barricade !!!
Update as of 08-May-2012
Yesterday, I had another look at Ped signal to capture status. It seems the switch has been "man-handled". Picture attached. So not to blame BTP at first cut. However they could have replaced. Some weeks back I asked nearby cop. He said that required special(what special) maintenance as its new type of signal.
As some one said "we get what we deserve" as mean citizens. With such type of low morale citizens(inlcudes me too :) ),its hard to expect any good govt, systems.
Image 1 : Damaged switch by people, so it does not work. In other words, red signal remains constant, as its ped crossing signal which turns green only when someone presses switch.
Image 2: Degree of damage is so high, even box got distorted.
Image 3: Most probable root causes
a) Wrongly positioned instruction board as shown in image 3
b) People do not have patience and do not know(not written) that it takes 2-3 mins to turn green even after pressing switch
c) Many people do not know how to read, but by guess work they pressed and thought that not working. As we used to do for old radios, people tried to hit and see if it "works" ;)
d) Vandalism
Did you notice?
Finally what worked is yellow barricade, as I said earlier. People are really comfortable with that.
Ped Signal
By now it is evidernt and a given that traffic sense in Bangalore is at its lowest. Road users are not just the educated motorists who break rules or are ignorant about road etiquette, there are more un-educated drivers and road users than there are those who respect the rules. It has come to such a pass that there is very little respect for rules. The norm is NO RULES - GET YOUR WAY - ANYWAY. While the traffic police may be doing its best (possible), it can not be everywhere and at all times. The answer to our traffic woes lies if we undertake some drastic and out of the box measures:
(a) A concerted and sustainable drive that massively advertises through various forms of media to communicate the basic Dos and Donts that cause most of the chaos on roads. Road Safety is one aspect, but repect for law is another. If not readily followed there should be fear for the offenders that there will be high cost involved if they break laws. I have seen boards and notices put up at selected places by Traffic Police notifying the rules and fines for traffic offences. Enlarge on this. Distribute this material through educational institutions, coprporate offices and RWAs. Arrange interactive meetings in various colonies through RWAs. Once a month saturday meetings are not appropriate for this campaign. An officer of the rank of ACP or DCP should interact with the citizens at specially convened interactive sessions. The use of MSMs is useful but it must be followed up by action on the ground.
(b) A very strict enforcement. Traffic Police should employ special teams in large numbers, taking help of wardens and local citizens and volunteer bodies to join in the campaign of 'enforcement.' Managing normal traffic and enforcing Traffic rules should be under two separate units of Traffic Police. Bangalore may possibly not have the highest traffic density on roads, but it is easily the most chaotic traffic, anywhere. It calls for extraordinary steps to bring sanity on roads.
(c) Special Teams should be properly briefed and trained to ensure that offenders are quickly disposed of without any compromise or getting into arguements/discussions. There should be ZERO tolerance towards offenders and NO discretionary powers. An offence is an offence. Devise a new system to deal with offenders quickly and smoothly.
(d) Special teams should not operate in the same area at a routine time, but vary its presence in terms of time and places. Checking at night is important because that is when most users violate one way rules.
(d) Conduct a massive drive checking the competence of Driving Schools particularly in terms of knowledge of road etiquette. Cancel licences of all those who do not have highly competent instructors. Driving Schools have become an industry where all kinds of sub standard products are being churned out.
Unfortunately we have reached a stage where rules do not prevail because offences are not sufficiently detected and retributive steps not quickly, visibly and effectively disposed. Sophistication of gadgetry will have little effect on actual enforcement, unless people are not only sufficiently educated but also fear that breaking of rules will result in huge cost in quick time.
"OMISSION TO CHECK AN OFFECE IS AN INVITATION TO COMMISSION OF ANOTHER OFFENCE"
How about cost?
BTP can not even invest a few lakhs on its own low power FM station, which has been suggested long time back. For me its hard to imagine anything will be taken from govt. side. Only we need some kind revolutionary people movement ! Not to be confused with extremist people movement, I mean some people group formations like The Ugly Indians (Facebook)for example. Though we know Praja mainly focuses in principle on to the getting the things done (by relevant authority), "things" seem crossing limtis :)
Ped Signal and Costs
Mr. Upadyhaya, If we are looking for solutions then a project report for a specific mission is required. At this point in time, all we can do, as citizens is to make suggestions to BTP on what needs to be done to improve traffic, not only for motorised vehicles but for non motorised vehicles and pedestrians as well. If BTP has no funds, it does not mean that these can't be raised. Point is do we want to improve matters on the roads for all users or do we want to keep cribbing how bad things are and yet do nothing about it.
On lighter note ;)
Point is do we want to improve matters on the roads for all users or do we want to keep cribbing how bad things are and yet do nothing about it.
If you ask anyone this question, you will get one answer "Yes, yes, we want to improve." Immediatly, if you ask if can we start with yourself , then reply sentence would be "Actually you know, I am little busy nowadays. Can you do it for me. I am there with you, go ahead"
Or another reply would "Boss, this is India, you know. We cant improve other no??? Let him/her improve I will also follow"
If someone takes initiaves the (Indian) world watches, and only watches :)
You know where I am coming from :-D No offense meant to fellow responsible citizens though.