Traffic police decided to take strict action against those who block left turn lane. Surprisingly very few in the city were aware about it and, to make things worse, many were seen blocking the left lane at the crossroads.
The check was conducted at two major traffic junctions of the city to take stock of the situation. At all places commuters were seen violating the rule of keeping the left side lane free and at none of these places traffic cops penalised violators. At two places even the government vehicles were found violating the rule. Looking at the ground reality, it seems inculcating discipline in commuters would be an uphill task for the traffic police.
IIMA crossroads
The left turns were blocked from the Helmet Circle side and Keshav Baug sides on the 132-feet ring road. Due to digging work in the BRTS lane, bus passengers got off in the regular lane and blocked the left turn. One of the BRTS bus drivers said, “Work is going on in our lane, so we are using the routine lane.” Kunal, a commuter, could be seen blocking the left turn. When asked about the new law, he said, “I am aware but as I was in a hurry, I got ahead of the traffic using the left turn. A traffic department team present on the spot was not penalising offenders.
Mayanksinh Chavda
Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic)
We are aware that commuters frequently block the left turn at traffic signals. The decision to impose a fine was taken recently to address the issue. However, it will take some time before people understand it. We are conducting an awareness drive and also making a short film on the issue. Commuters blocking the left side turn will be forced to take a left turn even if they want to go straight. That is a punishment in itself.