Chennai:Â Residents of Mugappair have to endure unending traffic snarls due to poor infrastructure. Adding to their woes, the traffic signal near Collector Nagar and Golden Flats is not functioning properly.
“Due to this, public get panic and confused to identify when the signal is open or not for crossing the road. Why is the traffic signal not working? Who is answerable for litres of fuel wasted by the cars, motor cycles, scooters and trucks caught in jams due to non-functional traffic lights?” said Murugan, a senior citizen.
“The conglomeration of vehicles at this junction during morning and evening rush hours creates virtually a traffic jam not only at this junction but also on the entire stretch. The traffic police do pitch in when the traffic lights are not working,” he added.
“With the signal remaining defunct, school children, college students and senior citizens find it difficult to cross the road. The absence of traffic policemen during non-peak hours is a boon for the speedsters who whiz past the stretch without a care for the pedestrians,” said Ponraj, a resident of Mugappair.
Srinivasan, a passer-by, said, “Often minor accidents occurred at this signal resulting in altercations between motorists.”
“Faster urbanisations, increasing human and vehicle population in the city and a numerically-inadequate police force contribute to crippled traffic. Statistics reveal that thousands of vehicles are added to the lakhs already on the choked roads,” said, Sundar, an urban planner.
Road users urge the authorities concerned to look into the problem at this junction which will be of great help not only to the motorists but also to pedestrians and residents.