Pallavan Salai-EVR Periyar Salai intersection a trouble spot for pedestrians

Pedestrians crossing the intersection of Pallavan Salai and EVR Periyar Salai, Park Town are exposed to danger. There is no pedestrians’ signal for the walkers.

At present, pedestrians cross the intersection when motorists are allowed to proceed towards Broadway, Chennai Central and Egmore from Pallavan Salai.

Adding to the chaos, motorists coming from Broadway jump lanes and zoom away towards Egmore and Vepery.

As a result, walkers face the risk of being knocked down by motorists proceeding towards Egmore and those taking an u-turn from the western to the eastern side of EVR Periyar Salai.

Though taking an U-turn is prohibited, many motorists do so throwing caution to the wind, and this happens under the nose of traffic police personnel. Road users have have requested the Chennai Traffic Police to facilitate a pedestrian signal at the intersection to help them cross the intersection safely.

Some pedestrians put out their hand and halt motorists on Periyar Salai and cross the intersection.

“Though, there is a subway near the intersection on EVR Periyar Salai and Pallavan Salai, walkers avoid it like a plague. The approach area to the subway is used as parking lot by autos and share-auto drivers. The pavements are encroached upon by vendors, commuters and drivers wait for the buses and commuters. Pedestrians are not able to move freely. The autos’ are parked up to the intersection of EVR Periyar Salai and Pallavan Salai hindering free movement of pedestrians and motorists,” says A. Raj, a pedestrian.

A Chennai Traffic Police official says, “A decision on creating a pedestrian signal at the intersection can be taken only after conducting a viability study.”