MC, traffic police have no clue about number of speed breakers in Ludhiana

LUDHIANA: Setting yet another example of carelessness, MC officials have given a very vague reply to an RTI query about the number of speed breakers on city roads by saying that they do not have any record about the same. The bridges and road branch of civic body is responsible for repair and construction of roads in the city but surprisingly they have denied to provide information. Even the traffic police has no idea about the speed breakers as it said that the civic body builds the speed breakers, so it might be having the records.
A city-based activist, Rohit Sabharwal, had filed an application under the Right to Information Act with the MC and traffic police about the total number of authorised and unauthorised speed breakers constructed on city roads, along with their location and location plan. The traffic police clearly denied having any information by saying that the MC was constructing the speed breakers on city roads so they must be aware of the same.
Whereas the officials of zones A, C and D said that they do no have this kind of information in the office, from zone B the reply was more interesting as officials denied to provide the information by saying that it was not in the prescribed format and moreover, it was voluminous, so they could not provide it.
The activist said, “I wanted to file a PIL in the Punjab and Haryana high court against these unauthorised speed breakers but before that I wanted to collect some information. But both departments have denied to give the information, so I will file a PIL in this matter now.” He said the kind of carelessness being adopted by the civic body and traffic police was proving dangerous for the residents and commuters. He claimed that at many locations the unauthorised speed breakers were taking lives of human beings.
Traffic expert Dr Kamaljit Soi said, “There are clear guidelines that speed breakers will be built as per norms set by the Indian Road Congress (IRC).” He said it was height of irresponsible behaviour by both departments if they are not having this information with them. He claimed that now according to the new Motor Vehicle Act, the official as well contractor who would be found guilty for any accident on roads would be held accountable and suitable action would be taken against them.
Meanwhile, despite repeated attempts officials of B&R branch of the MC could not be contacted for comments.
A resident of Maharaj Nagar, Kewal Krishan Sharma, said, “The speed breakers are seriously a pain while driving as sometimes it is difficult to guess and suddenly there is one speed breaker without any warning board. This is dangerous for the commuters, especially for pregnant women and senior citizens.”
As per IRC guidelines, a speed breaker should have a radius of 17m with a width of 3.7m and height of 0.1m. It is calculated to reduce the speed of vehicle to 25kmph. The drivers shall be warned of the presence of the speed breakers by posting suitable advance warning signs. Speed breakers should be painted with alternate black and white bands to give additional visual warning, etc.