In a city known for its traffic congestion, with the average speed of vehicles being 5km per hour, Dhaka Elevated Expressway has been a revelation since its inauguration. Cars are zooming along at speeds of 80, 90, and even 100km per hour on this road, leading to an increase in accidents.
However, drivers have been instructed to adhere to the rules of this high-speed highway from the outset to ensure safe travel.
The maximum speed limit for vehicles has been set at 60km per hour, with a maximum speed limit of 40km per hour on the ramp. Nonetheless, there are concerns regarding how many drivers actually adhere to the authorities' speed limits.
Although speed cameras have been installed on the expressway to regulate vehicle speed, they are still in the trial phase.
Conversations with some drivers revealed that while some comply with the rules, many others flout them.
Most vehicles are reported to be traveling at speeds of 80-90km per hour upon entering the expressway, surpassing the prescribed speed limit of 60km per hour. Even when the road is empty, some vehicles exceed speeds of 100km per hour.
Speed cameras have been installed on the expressway to monitor vehicle speeds. Authorities of the Dhaka Elevated Expressway project have stated that these cameras are currently undergoing a trial phase and will only be legally valid after the trial period ends.
Consequently, project officials have been unable to provide specific information regarding cases of speeding.
Regular drivers are also aware of the presence of speed cameras, prompting many to employ tactics to avoid detection. Interviews conducted with drivers reveal that it is common practice for most drivers to slow down as they approach camera spots and then accelerate afterward.
Lal Chan, a local bus driver who uses the elevated expressway, said: "You can't always maintain the same speed on the expressway. There are only a few spots where cameras are located. When approaching these areas, we maintain a speed of 60km/h, but for the rest of the journey, we drive at 70-80km/h. No speeding cases have been filed against us so far."
Similarly, Hasan Miah, a driver for the state-owned BRTC buses, said: "Ideally, we should maintain a speed of 60km/h. However, sometimes we drive at 65-70km/h or even faster. Since we can cover the distance in a short time, it's preferable to maintain a consistent speed. We're currently trying to adhere to this approach."
Several other drivers echoed similar sentiments regarding their driving habits and noted that they have not faced any speeding cases to date.
Communication experts say there is a need to inform drivers of the reasons behind speeding.
They suggest that imposing fines for violations, in addition to toll fees, would discourage drivers from flouting speed limits.
When asked about the issue, Dhaka Elevated Expressway Project Assistant Engineer Md Junayed mentioned the need to address technical matters before implementing new measures, particularly given the project's current status as a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) with foreign investment.
Despite inquiries, neither Junayed nor Assistant Director Mustaqeem Ahmed could provide specific information regarding any cases of irregularities on the expressway.
In response to these challenges, communication expert and Buet Assistant Professor Kazi Md Shifun Newaz, emphasized the importance of educating drivers about the reasons for adhering to prescribed speed limits and the potential consequences of speeding.
Additionally, he suggested deducting fines for speeding violations from toll fees to raise awareness among drivers.
Furthermore, he proposed the installation of traffic police boxes along the route to promptly address speeding incidents, thereby contributing to a reduction in high-speed driving behaviour.
