Speed limit on ORR: Some questions unanswered

Sir,

It’s indeed welcome news to now be able to drive at 60 kmph on the Outer Ring Road (ORR). I’m glad the speed limit has been raised from 40 kmph to 60 kmph (SOM dated Aug. 11).

However, the question remains: Why not 80 kmph? As tax-paying citizens, we feel the traffic department could have been slightly more generous. Yet, it’s important to reflect on the rationale behind such a decision. Many questions remain unanswered. How do the authorities determine the final speed limits? What exactly constitutes rash and negligent driving? What is the ‘road worthiness’ of the ORR? What is the appropriate distance to maintain between vehicles?

Are our roads well-lit? Is there a technical specification for speed breakers or humps? If so, are all speed breakers laid according to these specifications? Is it safe to place barricades, and if so, are enough reflectors pasted on them?

I’ve often noticed that the interceptor is placed at the end of slopes, where most drivers naturally allow their vehicles to roll down. Why not on level roads?

I request our Traffic Police to address these questions so that the general public is well-informed. While every errant driver should be penalised — and now that AI cameras are installed in many places — please consider whether a vehicle was truly being driven rashly and negligently before issuing fines.

There’s also a buzz among the public that the Traffic Department is given a monthly target to achieve. It would be helpful if this could be clarified by the competent authority.

– N.S. Vinod, University Layout, 12.8.2024

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