Aim is to reduce accidents at black spots

Mysore/Mysuru: In an effort to reduce accidents and curb traffic violations, the Mysuru City Police have installed 50 new traffic signals at various junctions across the city.

The signals have been set up after identifying accident-prone black spots, including the Five Lights Circle near Nanjumalige.

Speaking to Star of Mysore, Assistant Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Shivashankar said the signals were installed based on expert reports. “There have been several cases of injuries and fatalities in road accidents. Traffic violations have also increased in recent times, leading to frequent commotions on city roads, which particularly inconvenience senior citizens and women. The new traffic signals aim to prevent accidents and violations,” he said.

Urging the public to cooperate with Police, Shivashankar said signal jumping has significantly contributed to the rise in accidents. “People cite various reasons for not wearing helmets and violations continue unchecked. Traffic signals are being installed mainly at junctions where four roads converge,” he added.

Drawing a parallel between traffic violations and other crimes, he said, “Just as murder and robbery are treated as serious offences, traffic violations too must be viewed as crimes. People tend to take fines of Rs. 100, Rs. 200 or Rs. 500 lightly, but traffic violations can endanger the lives of other road users. We are creating awareness, but people must begin following rules on their own.”

Accident hotspots

The Mysuru City Police have identified Manandavadi Road and the JLB Road junction near Nanjumalige as major accident hotspots. In addition, traffic signals have been installed at Ekalavya Circle, Abhishek Circle, Hi-Tension Double Road and Hunsur Main Road near B.M. Habitat Mall, among other locations prone to congestion.

Police officials said the initiative also aims to ensure smoother traffic flow as Mysuru, a major tourist destination, witnesses heavy footfall not only during Dasara but also on long weekends and holidays.

Smart traffic signals are also being installed near schools and colleges, markets, hospitals and other high-pedestrian zones to enhance safety.

Mixed reactions

While the Police maintain that the move will help reduce violations and accidents, the installation of traffic signals has evoked mixed reactions from the public. Some residents have argued that signals have been installed at locations with relatively low traffic density, affecting the smooth flow of vehicles. Former Mayor Shivakumar said traffic signals should be installed only where they are most needed.