Neither police nor residents understand the significance of lane driving: HC

The government has also been directed to file an affidavit about the CCTV cameras that it claims to have installed at lightpoints.

Taking the affidavit of Hardeep Singh Doon,Superintendent of Police,Traffic,on record,Justice Bhalla ruled: “The roads in Chandigarh are demarcated into different lanes,in accordance with the provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act. But neither the police nor the residents of Chandigarh appear to understand the significance of lanes or lane driving. In addition,all V-I roads are provided with slow carriage ways,which are not used by the public. The counsel for Chandigarh is directed to ensure that all vehicles drive in their demarcated lanes and slow moving vehicles make use of the slow carriage way,wherever provided.”

The court has also asked the Chandigarh Police to “demarcate cycle tracks and where they are not available,a separate lane shall be made for cycles. The number of pedestrian crossings in Chandigarh are woefully inadequate. The police shall take measures to provide adequate crossings and ensure that pedestrians do not cross the road at unauthorised places”.

Moreover,the court has ruled that “all traffic lights shall have a provision for the sign ‘Walk’ and all vehicles will have to stop before a zebra crossing to allow pedestrians to cross the road.”