Traffic police crackdown fails to stem pedestrian safety

Bengaluru Traffic Police booked 97,700 footpath violations in a year, yet 203 pedestrians died, highlighting urgent need for safer infrastructure

The Bengaluru Traffic Police (BTP) has intensified its enforcement against footpath violations, booking nearly 97,700 cases in the past year. Of these, around 83,000 pertain to vehicles parked on footpaths, obstructing pedestrian movement, while another 14,700 involve motorists driving on them. Despite these measures, pedestrian safety remains a pressing concern, with 203 lives lost in road accidents up to November this year.

The issue was raised in the Legislative Assembly by BJP MLA S Suresh Kumar, who highlighted the alarming number of pedestrian fatalities. Officials admitted that while penalizing violators helps, many deaths occur when people attempt to cross busy roads due to inadequate pedestrian infrastructure. A senior BTP officer said to have flagged the need for more skywalks to prevent unsafe crossings.

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In response, Home Minister G Parameshwara informed the Assembly that the BTP has sought the Greater Bengaluru Authority’s (GBA) support for additional infrastructure. The proposals include 101 new skywalks, 363 zebra crossings, 45 pelican signals, and 112 grill barricades along medians. High-rise medians are also being considered to discourage jaywalking.

Pedestrians, however, point to broken and encroached footpaths that force them onto the roads. Street vendors frequently return to cleared spaces, complicating enforcement. A senior official from Bengaluru South City Corporation acknowledged the challenge, noting that regular checks and repairs are being carried out to improve conditions.

Accident statistics underline the urgency: by October 31, Bengaluru recorded 3,985 accidents, resulting in 715 deaths and 2,087 serious injuries. For the whole of 2024, the tally rose to 4,769 accidents, 894 deaths, and 2,841 serious injuries, including 246 pedestrian fatalities. While enforcement has been strict, officials stress that long-term solutions lie in strengthening pedestrian infrastructure and ensuring footpaths remain accessible.

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