Public engagement and traffic control essential to make the automatic signaling effective

One of the major problems of the capital Dhaka is severe traffic congestion. Many initiatives have been taken in recent decades to reduce traffic congestion. But none of the initiatives have been effective. One of them was the installation of automatic traffic signal lights. However, due to lack of maintenance and use within a short period of time, most of the lights became ineffective.

According to media reports, steps have been taken to install automatic traffic signal lights again in the capital. As a continuation of this, these lights are being installed at 22 intersections in the two city corporations of Dhaka. Already the lights were introduced at seven intersections on an experimental basis On Sunday. The cost of installing these lights, made using domestic technology, will be around 18 crore taka. The question is, will the initiative be successful this time?

In order to implement a modern signaling system, it is necessary to stop the movement of mechanical and non-mechanical vehicles on the same road. The project was taken without solving the existing problems surrounding mechanical and non-mechanical vehicles. Again, before introducing automated traffic systems, it is important to create awareness among drivers, passengers, and pedestrians.

Another reason behind the ineffectiveness of these initiatives was the lack of coordination between the signal light regulatory body and the traffic police, as well as the lack of maintenance of the lights. Therefore, in addition to introducing modern signal lights, the government also needs to pay attention to solving other existing problems in traffic management. When the number of vehicles on a city’s roads exceeds its carrying capacity, it becomes difficult to control them. Traffic control has not been possible, especially on main roads.

On the other hand, although traffic lights are seen at various intersections in Dhaka, a survey has revealed that only the lights in Gulshan area are working. Traffic police control traffic by hand signals or using laser lights. In such a situation, the traffic system in the capital will not be improved by simply introducing automatic signal lights.

If drivers, passengers and pedestrians are not aware, the traffic system cannot be developed efficiently. To increasing public awareness, strict enforcement of traffic rules must be ensured. Coordination between the organization that regulates the automatic signal system and the traffic police is also necessary. Above all, it is necessary to control the type of traffic that can move on a road. Automatic signal lights are just one step.