Bengaluru News: The government is preparing to take a strict stance against those driving on footpaths in Karnataka’s capital Bengaluru. Urban Development Minister Krishna Byregowda has written a letter to Transport Minister Bhairathi Suresh and proposed to increase the fine for driving on footpath from Rs 500 to Rs 5,000. The aim of this step is to ensure the safety of pedestrians and keep the footpaths completely free from encroachment and illegal vehicle movement.
Sidewalks for pedestrians, not vehicles
Minister Krishna Byregowda said in his letter that a campaign to remove encroachments from footpaths in the city was launched under the directions of the Supreme Court. This campaign carried out by the Municipal Corporations has been taken positively by the general public. However, after the encroachment has been removed, many people have now started driving two-wheelers and electric vehicles on empty footpaths, putting the safety of pedestrians at risk. He said that footpaths have been constructed for pedestrians, hence driving any type of vehicle is not acceptable there. Strict action should be taken in such cases.
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Demand to increase fine from Rs 500 to Rs 5000
In the letter, the minister said that at present a fine of Rs 500 is imposed for driving on the footpath, but due to such a small amount, there is no fear among those violating the rules. He urged the Transport Department to increase the fine to Rs 5,000 so that people develop a sense of law abiding and such violations can be effectively stopped. According to the minister, he is continuously receiving complaints from citizens that delivery agents and other drivers are using the footpaths without any fear. If any accident occurs due to this, it will be difficult to fix the responsibility.
Delivery boys and e-scooters become cause for concern
In Bengaluru, especially food delivery workers, they are seen using footpaths along with electric scooters and other vehicles without number plates. Due to this, people walking on foot including the elderly, children and women are facing a lot of trouble. Complaints have come forward regarding this issue many times before.
Emphasis on strict adherence to parking rules
In the meeting held with traffic police officials, Krishna Byregowda also reviewed the traffic system of the city. He asked the officials to strictly enforce the alternative parking and one-way parking rules applicable on main roads. He said that there is no need for any new notification for effective implementation of these rules. If the parking system is implemented properly, 7 to 8 feet additional space will be available on one side of the road, which will significantly reduce traffic jams.
Bus stops will also be shifted
In the meeting, the Minister also directed that the bus stops built very close to the traffic signals are disrupting the traffic. He directed the officials to remove such bus stops and relocate them at a distance of at least 75 meters from the signal and 50 meters from the junction. The government believes that making footpaths safe, ensuring compliance with parking rules and making proper arrangements for bus stops can prove to be important steps towards reducing the growing traffic problem of Bengaluru.
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