Traffic Control System

My observations about the traffic control system prevailing in Bangalore and Chennai as I have seen both.

Bangalore is a small city as compared to Chennai with inappropriate number of vehicles - both two and four wheeler s - to its area. But, it has a very good traffic control system. Most of the main traffic signals are equipped with CCTV cameras. If any vehicle deviates the traffic rules like jumping the signals, etc, those vehicles are monitored and sent a penalty letter to the address of the vehicle owner. He can pay the penalty online also. Otherwise, if the same vehicle is caught for any traffic violation in future, the old dues will also be collected from the owner. Further, all traffic police at the signals are provided with a digital camera. If any vehicle deviates the rules and escapes the police, they take a photo of the vehicle and upload on their website with a penalty to the owner. Such was the traffic system in place at Bangalore. There is a penalty for lane cutting from wrong side also. Wearing of helmet by both rider and the pillion rider and wearing of seat belts in car are implemented strictly here.

But the traffic jam in Bangalore city is being discussed critically in media and by public. One must realize that it is not because of the traffic system, but because of the inappropriate number of vehicles on the road. Government is also trying to take various measures to control the traffic. If people also avoid using their own vehicles and do car pooling or take public transport like bus, metro,etc this may come down drastically.

Chennai traffic system - you just cannot compare Chennai with Bangalore in this regard. There is no traffic control system in Chennai. Cameras are installed at road junctions for namesake only and not for controlling the traffic as they are meant to be. Recently also, they keep on installing hundreds and thousands of cameras at all traffic signals just to identify the culprits in case of any theft or murder happens. But this will be a postmortem only. It is very much doubtful, whether they will be using them for the very purpose of traffic control, to identify the traffic violators and to take proactive actions against them for which they are installed. Chennai traffic controlling system is at a very primitive stage if you compare it with Bangalore.

It is worth to mention about the attitude of the Chennai public on the road also. I can surely say that almost 95% of the people do not follow traffic rules. Yes. It is a very sad truth and I am very much frustrated seeing people who do not follow traffic rules. I bet, go to any traffic signal in Chennai and you can see there will be some kind of violation at all signals and at all times. They do all kinds of possible traffic violations. They do not want to wait for a few seconds more for the traffic signal to turn green. No indicator - nobody cares to give indication while taking a turn, lane cutting from wrong direction is another common violation. Most of the car drivers do not wear seat belts. 

They think that traffic violation is their birth right. Even if others point out their mistake they take a fight with them. 

Recently, there was a big hue and cry for making it compulsory to wear helmet. People along with all political parties made it a big problem against implementation of wearing helmets. This is for their own safety and if they are not following how to make them realize.

There must be severe punishments for traffic violators and implemented strictly. But, there is a problem with police also. Some traffic police do not implement the traffic rules strictly and do not impose penalty on the people who deviate the traffic rules. They simply do not care or just leave them after taking some money. The general public come out with some money earmarked for bribing the police and the police also take money and leave the people. 

The general public must understand the importance of the traffic rules and realize that they are implemented for their own safety and follow them diligently. Without the cooperation of the general public no rule can be implemented. The government must also educate the public on the importance of traffic rules and the consequences of not following them. They must also understand the difficulties of the public before implementation of the rules and come with realistic and practical solution to all of their problems and NO BRIBES. 

Self discipline (by both public and police) is the only solution to make the system strong.