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by Moin-ul-Haque

It is said that if one has to know how disciplined a people of a country are, one should look at its traffic. However, it is debatable and subject to interpretation how far we can apply traffic as a barometer for judging a nation's character.

A traffic jam in the city

Being in a service which has taken me around the world, I had the opportunity of visiting a number of Western countries. I have always marvelled at their excellent road networks, facilities for the motorists and the traffic discipline. At the same time, I wondered why in our countries like Pakistan, Sri Lanka, we have not been able to develop an efficient road system and have failed to inculcate discipline in our motorists.

Most of the people would quickly try to place the whole blame on the shoulders of the Government. Well it is true that governments play the main role in developing the traffic system of a country, but it is not alone accountable for the problems on the road. Let us look at some of the factors, which in my view contribute to the traffic problem as a whole.

The foremost factor is the lack of adequate resources needed to develop the roads and the allied infrastructure. Indeed, the existence of adequate, wide and paved roads with proper lane markings, road signs, pavements and zebra crossings for pedestrians and a reliable and functioning traffic lights system are pre-requisites for an efficient traffic system.

The second important factor is the non-implementation of traffic rules. Every country has its own traffic laws that are formulated on the basis of local considerations. The strict implementation of these without any discrimination is extremely important to bring about traffic discipline. At times, I really feel disgusted at the indifferent attitude of our police authorities towards traffic violations.

The third is the absence of a foolproof system of fines to penalize the traffic violators. A system to issue tickets for traffic violations and for their timely payment must be in place to discourage would-be violators. In my view, this is one of the main reasons for maintaining road discipline in the West.

Finally, I feel that the attitude of the person behind the wheel is the key to the whole problem.

The driver of the vehicle, irrespective of his education level, besides holding a valid driving licence, should be aware of the traffic regulations, should respect the rights of the other drivers and should have a reasonable level of patience and tolerance while driving during rush hours. Most of the accidents and traffic jams occur because of the few impatient drivers who while on the road think they are on a racetrack.

Being in Colombo for some time now, I, like any Sri Lankan, want the situation on the roads to improve. I keenly follow the articles on the subject that appear in the local newspapers. In this spirit, I would humbly like to make a few suggestions that might help in addressing some of the traffic problems:

* A thorough and detailed study of the current traffic system with a futuristic outlook needs to be done urgently to analyze the problems and suggest solutions. According to a recent report in the newspaper, the number of registered vehicles in Sri Lanka doubled to about 1.78 million in 2001 from 904,373 vehicles in 1991. With so many new vehicles being added each year, the load on traffic would increase with each passing day. Hence the need for an urgent assessment and correction exercise.

* Optimum and timely use of the requisite funds allocated for the development of roads and highways. The paving and widening of roads along with proper lane marking must be done on a priority basis. The excellent work done at Elvitigala Mawatha could be taken as a model.

* Installation of traffic lights at all intersections. The system of roundabouts may be replaced by traffic lights as it creates confusion and doubts among the drivers about their right of way.

* Introduction of Stop-sign system like in North America may be considered. These on junctions where there are no traffic lights and on small streets leading on to main roads would be helpful in efficient controlling of the traffic.

* Recent increase of deaths on the zebra crossings require a reassessment of their current placements on the roads. Zebra crossings are generally close to the traffic lights or stop signs so that pedestrians could cross the road at a time when traffic is stopped.

Current zebra crossings are at very odd places making it difficult for the pedestrians to cross as motorists stop on at their own liking. It is also difficult for the drivers especially during the night to detect these crossings, which increases the risk of an accident.

* Reckless driving needs to be curbed. There must be a speed limit within the Colombo city. If there is one already then it must be implemented strictly to minimize accidents. Posting of speed limit signs in the city may also be considered.

* A system of fines for traffic violations is a pre-requisite for maintaining traffic order. Such a system exists in the country, as according to a recent news item, Government collected about Rs. 6.5 lakhs in 2002 from traffic fines. This system needs strict implementation across the board.

* Traffic authorities may consider introducing a "Point System" whereby points are awarded for traffic violations and after accumulation of certain number of points, the driving licence of the offender is cancelled.

* A three-wheel rickshaw is certainly a useful mode of public transport, but rickshaw driving which at times becomes disturbing for the traffic, needs to be controlled and regulated.

As a well-wisher of the friendly Sri Lanka, I truly feel that the country must reap benefits from the prevailing peace in the country.

To return Sri Lanka to its original splendour and glory and to make it more attractive to foreign tourists, the development of its road infrastructure alongwith the formulation of a traffic policy that is both driver friendly and strict on traffic violators needs to be prioritized. I pray for the continued peace and prosperity of the country.

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