Bengaluru Traffic Police (BTP) is geared itself to wage war on unruly pathways and increase pedestrian safety starting on July 10. In an effort to prioritise the well-being of pedestrians and reclaim the pavements, each of the 48 traffic police stations will dedicate itself to clearing one footpath per day of unlawfully parked vehicles and unattractive debris.
The prestigious Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic), M N Anucheth, stated his support for this most recent initiative, which is a part of the larger #ReclaimFootpaths movement. He added that the campaign would be undertaken concurrently with other ongoing operations, significantly boosting their impact.
Not stopping there, the traffic police are committed to collaborating with municipal authorities to improve footpaths that require essential renovations or infrastructural modifications. The aim is to create a conducive environment where pedestrians can walk without compromising their safety.
Pedestrians, often considered the most vulnerable road users, have been the unfortunate victims of numerous accidents and fatalities. In 2022 alone, Bengaluru recorded 248 pedestrian fatalities and 819 pedestrian injuries, as per the publication.
The emphasis is on pathways along the major thoroughfares within the purview of each station. We want to clean walkways of unlawfully parked vehicles in this campaign so that people can use the footpaths freely,” the Deccan Herald cited him as saying.
This disturbing trend might be linked to the combined problem of automobiles encroaching walkways and the poor infrastructure in place. Such adverse conditions have inadvertently forced people on roadways, placing their lives at considerable risk.
Meanwhile, the bustling Outer Ring Road in Bengaluru has witnessed an increase in traffic congestion as tech businesses gradually recall personnel back to the workplace. It has created concerns among the traffic police and other stakeholders. In response to this surge, measures are being made to ease the situation and ensure smoother traffic flow.
