As Nagpur grapples with a severe heatwave and temperatures consistently crossing the 40°C mark, the City Traffic Police has introduced a strategic change to signal operations. The initiative aims to protect commuters from prolonged exposure to the scorching sun during the peak afternoon hours.
The 2 PM to 4 PM “Red Blinker” Protocol
To minimize the time motorists spend idling at signals, the traffic department has selected 31 key squares to operate on a “Red Blinker” mode daily between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM.
How it works? Stop, Look, and Proceed: Instead of waiting for a full signal cycle, motorists must come to a brief halt, check for oncoming traffic from all directions, and proceed only when it is safe to do so. And there is no relaxation on Speed limits. A strict speed limit of 20 kmph will be enforced at these junctions during the two-hour window to prevent accidents.
Objectives of the Initiative
According to an official press note, the primary goal is the health and safety of the citizens. The benefits of this temporary arrangement include:
- Heat Mitigation: Reducing the risk of heatstroke and discomfort caused by waiting at stagnant signals in peak temperatures.
- Fuel Efficiency: Minimizing fuel consumption by reducing unnecessary idling.
- Smoother Flow: Adapting to the naturally lower vehicle volume observed during the hottest parts of the day.
Cooperation and Safety
The Nagpur City Traffic Police has urged all residents to cooperate with these new measures. While the “Red Blinker” system offers relief from the heat, authorities emphasized that the responsibility of safe passage lies with the motorists. Citizens are reminded to remain vigilant, adhere to the 20 kmph speed limit, and prioritize safety over speed.
-
-
-
-
