“Pedestrian Safety a Top Priority for Hyderabad Traffic Police” : G. Sudheer Babbu, IPS, Addl. Commissioner of Police, Traffic, Hyderabad City
Hyderabad(July, 10) : The Hyderabad Traffic Police has prioritized pedestrian safety as a crucial concern alongside traffic regulation and enforcement, implementing various engineering interventions to reduce pedestrian fatalities. The increasing commercial spaces in the core city of Hyderabad have led to a rise in pedestrian movement in business areas. As part of the “Safe City Project,” the Hyderabad Traffic Police proposed the installation of 43 pelican signals at strategic locations such as hospitals, colleges/schools, and commercial public places with high pedestrian footfall. Out of the proposed 43 signals, 31 have been installed and are operational, facilitating safe pedestrian crossing with the assistance of Traffic Volunteers and Local Traffic Cops. At each pelican signal, two volunteers and one Traffic Cop are deployed to assist pedestrians, ensuring vehicular traffic halts on both sides until pedestrians safely cross the road. Pedestrian islands at busy junctions/intersections have been identified and marked with 71 Pedestrian Island Sign boards. Banners and flexies have been erected near 56 Metro Station Foot over bridges to encourage pedestrians to use them for road crossing. The marking of zebra crossings/stop lines at junctions is being addressed by local traffic officers, working with GHMC (Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation) to ensure the safety of pedestrians. The Hyderabad Traffic Police have also undertaken the clearance of footpath encroachments, removing obstructions such as petty shops, materials, and vehicles.
Several cases have been booked for violations including free left blocking, stop line violation, CP Act offenses, wheel clamp cases, and obstructive parking. Pedestrians are urged to avoid jaywalking and instead utilize the services of Traffic Cops at junctions and newly introduced self-operated Pelican Signals for safe road crossing. The Hyderabad Traffic Police are committed to continuously striving for pedestrian safety and making Hyderabad a “Pedestrian Friendly City.”
