It is past time the government took steps to curb the rampant traffic indiscipline on the roads of Dhaka.
We have editorialised about the woes commuters face, yet the problems that lie at the heart of the traffic indiscipline have yet to be dealt with. And though a number of flyovers have been constructed, traffic congestion remains problematic.
In fact, Dhaka residents waste an average of 11 minutes at each major intersection and bus corridor. The long waits can add up to a staggering amount of wasted time and lost energy and efficiency for commuters.
Overhauling the city’s poor transportation and traffic management is key. First off, there’s a need for more footpaths, pedestrian crossings, foot over-bridges, parking facilities, bus stations, passenger sheds and public vehicles. The ones that are available need to be better maintained and used more often.
More bus terminals need to be built as well, and the more than 87,000 unfit motor vehicles plying the roadways need to be taken off, as they pose a threat to road safety and contribute to the congestion.
The illegal occupation of footpaths by vendors, or by construction companies storing building equipment, etc needs to brought to an end, and strict disciplinary action taken.
Add to that traffic lights and countdown timers that are unused, rendering it easy for drivers and commuters to flout traffic rules.
This negligence cannot be allowed to continue. The government must step up its efforts to improve the traffic system for the benefit of all.