RS member seeks integrated traffic plan for heavy vehicles

PUNE: Rajya Sabha member Medha Kulkarni on Thursday demanded authorities to draft an “integrated plan for heavy traffic in city areas”, a day after a senior citizen was killed in an accident near Gangadham Chowk.
“The unauthorised entry of heavy vehicles in city areas is a major concern. A few years ago, these vehicles were banned in civic areas during the daytime.But the embargo has been lifted. The ban should be reintroduced,” she told TOI, adding that the officials concerned did not reach the spot on time on Wednesday. She said the team to monitor the movement of heavy vehicles should include the traffic police, Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) officials and local elected members.
Aniruddha Pawaskar, the head of PMC’s road department, said, “We have placed rumbler strips at the spot. Even the slope at the location would be reduced. The administration will write again to the police department to reintroduce the ban on heavy vehicles in areas where needed.”
Sunita K, a resident of the area, said the road width and design should be considered before allowing heavy vehicles. Manisha Kakare, another resident, said, “Installation of speed breakers and improvement in the road design can help avert accidents.”