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| Tuesday, 10 February 2004 |
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One-way street - A timely step by Fathima Razik Cader The study carried out by the Department of Civil Engineering of the University of Moratuwa emphasizes the importance of implementing a well-planned traffic system as such a move will also have a positive impact on the economy. This is in view of the time that is saved in the transport of goods -both perishables and non-perishables. Many businesses face tremendous losses in the transportation of goods. The report states that even though there is insurance cover in most cases, the cost is finally borne by the consumer. For example, approximately 40 per cent of the volume of traffic is attributed to freight (transport of consumer goods). An aspect that environmentalists in particular will laud is the fact that a smoother run sans congestion, considerably reduces combustion and thereby contributes towards a clean and healthy environment. And a healthy environment will breed healthy people - another positive feature as far as the economy is concerned. All vehicle owners are aware that accelerating, decelerating and constant gear changes in congested traffic burns much fuel and brings out poisonous emissions in the process. This negative aspect - that of pollution of air and water also impacts not only on the environment but also on agriculture, which inturn leads to loss of productivity. Some of the health hazards associated with vehicular emission are long term headaches due to inhalation of carbon monoxide, asthma, cough, respiratory diseases, damage to the nervous system, reduced intelligence in children and heart diseases. Nitrogen oxide from the emission causes damage to the ozone layer resulting in a reduction of crops. Large trucks and tractors, public transport (buses), small trucks, vans, cars and motorcycles (in that order) are responsible for a high rate of emissions per litre of fuel. This column has in the past, highlighted the high costs that the State has to bear on account of the continuous rise in the number of accidents. A mind-boggling figure of Rs. 3 billion annually, is estimated as the cost that the State incurs. What readers might find interesting is the fact that daily travel is estimated to be around 17,107,425 kilometres islandwide. If and when the one-way street system is fully implemented, this figure will come down considerably. It is also estimated that 20 per cent of accidents take place within the city of Colombo and the introduction of one-way streets can bring this percentage down to 12 per cent. Needless to say that careless and reckless driving in addition to a poor knowledge of road safety and traffic rules are also contributory factors with regard to the increases in accidents. Another salient factor is that of stress felt by drivers on a congested road, which also has been a cause of accidents. It has been proved that most drivers use alternate routes to avoid congestion on the main roads and this has also increased the number of accidents. Most alternate routes do not post traffic signs, traffic lights nor are there pedestrian crossings and in fact, some narrow roads (specially those that have bends) hamper visibility of on-coming traffic as well. An economic appraisal carried out outlines the benefits that will accrue to the country in the long-term, against the costs incurred in respect of work carried out in setting up the one-way traffic system. The benefits, by extension, also filter down towards health, the social fabric and the environment as well. The study thus states that the one-way traffic system is economically feasible and environmentally viable. All segments of the Sri Lankan community, time and again, have voiced the need for better roads and a well laid-out traffic system. However, very little has been done towards achieving any marked strides in this respect. The few roads that are currently in operation as one-way streets have eased the situation somewhat but since these roads are only local links they are not an influencing factor to other road links. The study advocates that the North of the Colombo Fort area be given priority in view of the tremendous amount of traffic that flows through. Also targeted are Deans Road and T. B. Jayah Mawatha (Darley Road) where there is heavy traffic flow towards and out of the city center, daily. These two roads can effectively be made one-way. The study also stresses the importance of maintaining pavements and walkways in the streets of Colombo, particularly in the commercial areas. Unauthorised temporary buildings'/structures' and hawkers and vendors occupy areas meant for pedestrians and carry on a brisk trade, thereby forcing pedestrians to walk on the edge of the road and in turn, cause disaster. The one-way traffic system is strongly recommended as a medium-term solution to ease the traffic congestion in Colombo and other major cities in the country. A plus factor is that this system can be implemented with minimal costs. Also worthy of mention is that this system, once set in motion, could facilitate the proposals of laying out dedicated Bus Lanes and Light Rail Transport within the existing road network. These two projects are also currently being studied. With the application of the Loops (as detailed in the feasibility report) the outcome is certainly positive. 56 years to the date since Sri Lanka gained her independence, the positive changes in this respect have been few and far between. It is now a national need to have an effective and efficient transport system that will facilitate not only the growth of the economy but also the health, social welfare, the environment and the productivity of the citizens of Sri Lanka. The onus to do so falls not only on the Government and its agencies but also on all Sri Lankans, some of who lack a basic civic-sense. The time is right for action and whilst those who are mainly and directly responsible should put their 'shoulders to the wheel', pedestrians, drivers and others (hawkers and vendors for example) also have a responsibility to deliver by following road and traffic rules. Kudos then to Professor Amal S. Kumarage and the Department of Civil Engineering of the University of Moratuwa, IGP Indra de Silva, SSP's S. M. Wickremasinghe and Y. R. Lafeer, SP Sunil Sahabandu and the officers of Traffic Headquarters for taking a positive and courageous step forward in the right direction in their commitment to implementing the one-way traffic system in Sri Lanka. A decade or so from now will see a new generation of citizens who might be cruising along the road and certainly blessing those responsible for the smooth layout of our road network. |
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