Faulty traffic lights aggravate snarl-ups in Karachi

Karachi, April 26, 2011 (PPI): The worsening traffic problems in Karachi are tormenting motorists, as growing malfunctioning of traffic signal lights makes it difficult to regulate a smooth traffic on busy streets in the absence of traffic cops.

The problems with a traffic signals is not a new occurrence as various streets in Saddar, North Nazimabad, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, North Karachi, Korangi and many others areas have traffic signals that do not work properly.

In the city where traffic violations are rampant and entire system is in shambles, the reluctance of concerned officials in repairing the faulty traffic lights further aggravates the situation. Besides, the problem also leads to snarl-ups at times when motorists move to reach their destinations in a hurry.

The people who are habitual of flouting traffic laws get another version to substantiate their claims for not abiding by the prescribed rules. They see nobody is there to ask them to obey traffic rules and regulations, when the traffic lights are out of order and traffic cops not in sight.

“We are always criticized for not following the traffic laws; however, anybody among the concerned officials never took any action because they are not sincere in addressing the worsening traffic condition,” voiced a motorist, Jameel at a clogged intersection in Saddar area.

Majority of the road users’ stand by the similar views rebuking law enforcers for lacking courage in bringing overall traffic system to a fine-tune.

“It’s true we also violate traffic laws but everybody knows the practice of traffic cops they are indulged in. Instead of regulating traffic, they stop motorists to extort money from them. The overall system is corrupt. You can’t blame the masses alone”, a biker Asif angrily said.

Citizens say it is now overdue to overhaul the entire traffic system including code of conduct for cops, raising civic sense awareness among masses, renovation of infrastructure, implementation of traffic laws and more importantly keeping traffic lights in working order.