The Mumbai Traffic Police, in a bid to spread better road discipline and curb the rising number of accidents, have launched a specific drive against signal-jumping in the city. This major drive by the traffic police is in response to surging complaints of traffic jams and lack of proper coordination at major intersections in Mumbai.
The campaign is taking place at major intersections, arterials, and routes with high traffic volumes where signal offenses are most frequently recorded. Such places as major roads, business centers, and market areas are also under observation, especially during the peak morning and afternoon times. The traffic authority noted that signal jumping not only hampers the smooth movement of traffic but is also responsible for the major share of fatal accidents on the roads of the city.
As part of the special drive, the number of personnel posted at road crossings to check the violations in real time has also been increased. Citizens found violating signals by crossing the road at an amber signal are being fined immediately, as per the Motor Vehicles Act. They are also being made to undergo driving safety training in case of repeated instances.
According to senior officials, despite the provision of traffic signals, surveillance cameras, and markings on roads, motorists continue to defy traffic regulations in their haste to save time. Such practices trigger chain reactions at intersections, leading to traffic jams, obstruction of pedestrian crossings, and chances of two-wheeler, car, bus, and pedestrian accidents.
Technology is playing an important role in this enforcement campaign. Cameras that were installed at some intersections are being used to photograph those who disregard traffic signals. E-Challans are being directly sent to the registered owner of the vehicles. Authorities said that the implementation of technology enables effective enforcement while keeping accuracy intact without any conflict between traffic police officials and vehicle owners.
Besides the enforcement part, the traffic police are also working towards awareness. Special teams are engaging with road users, especially two-wheeler and commercial vehicle drivers and passengers, to brief them on the risks associated with signal jumping. Educational messages featuring the impact of accidents are being broadcast on digital boards and shared on social platforms to create awareness among a larger group of people.
Roadside pedestrian security is another critical issue dealt with by this campaign. Signal jumpers often put the lives of pedestrians at risk, particularly elderly people, children, and the differently-abled, who use road signals to cross the road unharmed. It was asserted by officials from the traffic police that observing road signals is required to make the road more secure for road users in general, including drivers.
The campaign has received mixed reactions from commuters. While most residents have appreciated the tough stance, saying that it has come at the right time, other road users have expressed dissatisfaction with traffic delays during the times the traffic police enforce the rule. Traffic authorities explained the matter by saying:
As per traffic department statistics, a large number of road accidents in the city are caused by signal violations and aggressive driving. However, the traffic department feels that a consistent campaign over a period of time will be able to bring about a change in the driver behavior. Such drives in the past have also yielded positive results temporarily.
The traffic police have also called on citizens to cooperate with traffic police officials on the ground and observe traffic rules willingly without fearing any consequences. “Observing traffic discipline is a social responsibility,” said an official. “If all drivers on the road observe traffic signals, then traffic congestion and accidents will be reduced.”
The special crackdown against signal jumping will continue in the coming weeks, with surprise checks set to be conducted in different areas of the city. It has been suggested that tougher measures could be enforced if signal jumping is found to continue unabated. By means of such an initiative, the Mumbai Traffic Police seek to highlight once again the value of road safety and ensure that roads are made secure for both motorists and pedestrians.
