‘Traffic curbs at Vyttila only after preparations’

KOCHI:

Traffic

diversion at

Vyttila

will be implemented only after completing all preparations, including widening of roads and erecting signboards, said traffic assistant commissioner M A Nazeer.

He was speaking at a gathering of various resident associations’ representatives at traffic west commissioner office, Ernakulam, organized by Kochi city police on Saturday.

“The flyover work is set to begin on Monday. Traffic will be diverted only when it becomes necessary. All measures, including strengthening of concreted cover of drains, will be done to widen the roads. At U-turns, flexible reflectors will be installed to warn commuters,” said Nazeer.

The meet held as part of the community policing scheme was attended by Kochi city police DCP (admin) A R Premkumar, ACP crime detachment T Biji George and traffic west ACP M A Nazeer.

Residents raised as much as 50 complaints of which over 35 were in connection with various traffic issues.

Officers listened to various issues raised by residents and announced solutions to most cases. Residents raised complaints regarding speeding, need for traffic diversions and nuisance in localities.

Demands included action against illegal parking on Market Road and to clear street vendors in small alleys at Broadway.

“Vehicles heading from

Palarivattom

to LuLu mall often park at

Edappally Junction

signal without leaving space on the left. Due to this, commuters heading towards North Paravoor side get stuck in traffic. Measures should be taken to free the left,” said

Mukundan Kartha

of Maithri resident’s association, Manjummal.

Responding to the query, Nazeer said that the department was planning to widen the stretch there. “A study is being conducted to check the possibility of widening this particular stretch. Also, officers will be deployed to keep the left free,” said Nazeer.

Another resident pointed out that the residents at Ravipuram are facing nuisance from tipplers. “Police have assured us necessary measures to curb the menace,” said

V K Sasikumar

of Ravipuram resident’s association.

Responding to instances of speeding in areas such as Panampilly Nagar, officers said that 410 cases have been recorded for speeding over the past one month.

“In areas like Panampilly Nagar, the road is quite wide and chances are high for speeding. Anyone who notices such violations should inform us about the location along with the time and the number of the vehicle. We will initiate action immediately. We have a hassle-free system and even a WhatsApp message will evoke response,” said Nazeer.