Use CCTVs to regulate traffic, says Bombay HC

Mumbai: The Bombay high court has suggested that the state government should utilise CCTV cameras to regulate traffic at Kalbadevi area and other parts of the city.

A division bench of Justice Naresh Patil and Justice Girish Kulkarni was hearing a PIL filed pertaining to traffic congestion near Kalbadevi, Chira Bazaar and Crawford Market. The petition claimed that vehicles are being parked on both the sides of the road, and the traffic department manages traffic poorly.

While hearing the petition, the court said that there are CCTV cameras installed by the state police to manage vehicular traffic in every corner of the city. “E-challans are also sent if someone violates traffic rules so why is the traffic police not keeping a watch on people who double park their vehicles via CCTV cameras,” the bench observed.

The state government also showed willingness to heed the suggestion. Subsequ-ently, the court also asked why the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation allows hawkers to sell their products on carts, which are also been seen along roads.

The state traffic police assured the court that it is planning to allow one-side parking on the road but before that, it is taking traders’ organisations in confidence. The state wants to see whether this scheme is working or not and make the necessary changes if needed, it said.