Confusing road markings hit pedestrian safety

Pedestrians have a tough time crossing a junction in Vazhuthacaud though zebra crossings and stop lines with reflectors have been installed as part of smart city road revamp on C V Raman Pillai Road. The road markings at Cotton Hill Road - C V Raman Pillai Road junction laid as part of smart road project are creating confusion among motorists. As there are two stop lines - one before and one after pedestrian crossing – on the Vazhuthacaud - Vellayambalam direction of the road, vehicles often stop on the zebra crossing, making it difficult for pedestrians to walk across the road. Many vehicles stop at the stop line painted before the zebra line, while a few stop on the zebra line when the signal turns red. According to Indian Road Congress design, stop lines come first and then zebra crossing lines are laid out so that vehicles will not stop on the pedestrian crossing. Since the vehicles are not violating stop lines at the signal, the motorists are not penalized. But pedestrians crossing from forest office side towards the Cotton Hill Road side of the main road have a tough time during peak hours. People who manage to cross the road despite vehicles on the pedestrian line face free incoming traffic from Cotton Hill Road to C V Raman Road. "Many people cross the road at this point because there are many shops and tea shops on the forest office side of the main road. But the pedestrian line is not drawn taking into account the traffic flow," George Thomas, a resident, said.The zebra crossing line is properly painted after stop line at the adjacent junction where All India Radio Road intersects C V Raman Pillai Road. A lack of uniformity in road markings is creating a hassle. There are no traffic police too to regulate traffic or take photos of vehicles that stop on the zebra crossing.