KOCHI:
Better Kochi Response Group (BKRG) submitted a proposal to the Commissioner of Police Kochi on various aspects which can improve the functioning of police.
This is particularly relevant in the context of Kochi growing into a smart city in all aspects of
transportation such as Metro Rail, Water Metro, new fly over’s etc. When the Centre Smart Kochi is in place, the law and order and traffic problems have to be tackled so as to create a smart police.
Though many of the drivers are aware of basic traffic rules they are still ignorant on traffic etiquette and public behavior. It is important that all drivers to have a fresh approach suitable for a smart city.
We understand that the govt. is intending to issue the new smart license soon. But before they receive the new license they should be ‘taught’ basic traffic etiquette and public behavior in addition to basic traffic rules, BKRG members pointed out.
Proposal for Smart Police
1. Give a time period to all driving license holders possibly to the end of this year to acquaint wit
h the driving etiquettes.
2. Everyone has to undergo an awareness session before they receive the new smart license. These awareness classes can be taken at various locations such as Regional Transport Office, Collectorate, Colleges, Clubs, and Hotels etc. on a specific time schedule. The only requirement is that classes must be conducted by allotted Police officers. But the whole session will be a video presentation only which makes it easier. Present license gets automatically cancelled if they have not undergone the classes before the time limit. Awareness classes need not have tests but insist on attendance. The video can be used for new license applicants.
3. Better Kochi Response Group (BKRG) is ready to produce this video with inputs from Police and other traffic experts. The following subjects can be included in the video in addition to basic traffic rules.
a) Patience: Most of the traffic problems happen because of impatient drivers trying to squeeze their way between vehicles. Many drivers do not allow a vehicle trying to turn or U turn. Giving way to other drivers must be made culture.
b) Honking: Has to be totally banned in Kochi Smart City. As an initial action honking by buses has to be stopped immediately and other vehicles later. Buses very often use the horn for harassing other drivers especially women.
Not using horn makes driving safer because the vehicle has to slowdown or stop at junction before proceeding. Right now they carelessly turn while honking expecting other vehicles to stop
c) Parking: Very often drive way is blocked by vehicles wrongly parked without knowing that parking can be done only on designated areas. There could be a full session on parking of vehicles.
d) Pedestrians: Are totally ignored by the drivers especially on pedestrian crossing. Pedestrian should have top priority over vehicular traffic. Pedestrians marking have to be done as needed and insist that pedestrians cross only at the pedestrians. But vehicles have to stop if pedestrians and crossing in other areas too.
e) Over taking: Most of th
f) Signaling: Drivers while trying to overtake vehicles, ignore turning signals of the vehicle in front.
g) Changing lanes: Very often vehicles dangerously change lanes frequently to go faster without even putting the signals.
h) Two wheelers: Haphazard driving of two wheelers trying to overtake through small spaces between vehicles creates problem. In a traffic junction they should wait in their driving location instead of coming to the front.
i) Tracks: Slow moving vehicles like Lorries using the right track slow down the traffic. Traffic
discipline needed
j) General Traffic Rules: There are many rules which people are still ignorant about, especially those who have taken license on early days.
k) Free Left: Many vehicles block the left turning vehicles where free left is allowed.
l) Objects projecting out of vehicle: Is very dangerous. No object should project beyond body dimensions. We find iron roads projecting out of Lorries very often. The video can be produced with graphics and actual shots so that it can be understood easily. A certificate to be given to each participant as a proof of attendance which can be used for receiving the new smart license.
4. Auto rickshaw stands are very often placed in the wrong direction- ie: they face the opposite direction creating confusion and traffic signages.
5. Breaks in the dividers are too frequent. The numbers to be reduced. Straight crossing of important roads like By- Pass and high ways without of traffic lights should not be allowed.
6. Police is not very effective in tackling private bus and taxi drivers.
7. Ambulance speeding on the road without patient is seen frequently. But sometimes they may be on their way to pick up patients, in which case they should display a board saying “PATIENT PICK UP”. Any fraud on this rule must be taken seriously and punished.
8. A signage policy has to evolves with colour scheme, letter sizes etc. Advertisement hoarding should be strictly controlled by a police perhaps, even issuing license for display.
9. More CC-tv camera is to be installed. Almost all the existing Cameras do not works.
10. Getting access to the most important “Police No:100” is almost impossible. There are not enough people and phones. This is to be organized like in call centres with follow up calls.
10. The speed governors in many vehicles are disconnected. This should be taken as a crime and drivers to be booked accordingly
11. FM radio and Whatsaap application must be used for reporting accidents and crime. Wrong parking and other traffic violations can be brought out through the F.M.Radio. Organize a meeting with F.M. Radio operators and take their suggestions too.
12. Tourism police should be better organized with multiple language proficiency. A separate course should be done for them to teach a bit about Kerala History and Heritage with some exposure to courtesy and etiquette.
13. Safety, of women on the road especially after dark is still a debatable issue and night patrolling strength to be increased. Night patrolling attendance should be digitally marked at different points.
14. Special ambulance and help needed for senior citizens.
15. Car parking issues must be solved on a high level of meeting.
16. No vehicles should be allowed to be parked in junctions and near U turn area.
17. Bus stop should be made at least 50 m away from junction and buses to be controlled strictly.
18.Indiscriminate parking of two wheelers to be checked.
19. Parallel driving of two wheelers is also seen very often. Sometimes they indulge in conversation while driving.
20.Traffic islands are not scientifically done and very often vehicles do not go round the islands when turning. Re design all traffic round abouts. BKRG can help.
21. It seems that police do not have much control over private buses which creates most of the accidents. High time police spring into action.
22.. Traffic Police posted at junctions have to be more active and the uniform can include a hat with wider rims like the cowboy hats to give protection from sun. They also should wear cooling glasses in day time. Proper masks should be given instead of using Kerchiefs. During hot summer change of people is to be more often. All gaps in the barricade in medians should be closed to prevent pedestrians crossing except
designated.
23. Police spring into action only after the accidents happen. They should try to prevent accidents by locating violators. All traffic policemen should be taught driving to get a firsthand experience.
24. Pot holes slow down traffic and damages the vehicles. Police should give notice to PWD, Corporation or High way dept. to repair these pot holes as and when it appears, failing which criminal action should be taken.
25. Pot holes can be repaired instantly using cold bitumen (produced by Shell Company) which is available in Kerala now. Ideally PWD or Corporation can have a repair vehicle stocking old bitumen bags with one applicator, who can repair pot holes as and when it is formed.
26. Use of information technology to upgrade the services of Police Dept. should be looked into seriously by discussing with top IT professionals.
In addition to Traffic problems Police has to more alert to prevent crimes.
1. Proper ID and tracking system for migrant labourers.
2. Drug addicts to be watched closely and supply chains to be broken. Anonymous boxes with proper locks to receive complaints and valuable information where young people gather. They can be installed in schools and colleges too. This information could be very valuable to police.
3. Protection for woman is a big issue especially late hours. This has to be taken very seriously.
4. Police men going on night beats should do an attendance marking at remote locations through biometric or card machines.
5. All Police vehicles on traffic duty to be constantly watched by RFID.
6. An officer should be employed to give regular press releases on traffic and crime.
7. Plan police involvement in Metro stations and surrounding areas, Passengers should take the metro without fear.
8. All water front areas need special attention since many criminal activities drugs etc originate from there.
9. Discuss with Authorities to increase the land of lights in the streets so that vehicles can drive with parking lights. In Metro route lighting can be fixed to metro ducts which will save the c
ost of poles. Planning of lighting has to be done right away.
Most importantly the government should provide more funds to the up gradation of Police in Kochi to a ‘Smart Police’.
