In a major push to decongest its roads, the Lucknow administration and police have rolled out a stringent, zero-tolerance traffic management strategy. The comprehensive roadmap, finalized on Saturday, targets chaotic intersections and habitual traffic violators with a series of strict measures.
Core Measures: Ban on Stoppages and Parking Near Intersections
The heart of the new strategy involves a crackdown on activities that block traffic flow at major crossings. Authorities have imposed a complete ban on passenger pick-up and drop-off by e-rickshaws, autos, tempos, and buses at intersections. Furthermore, enforcing no-parking zones within a 50-metre radius of these key junctions is a top priority.
The decisions were cemented during a high-level coordination meeting at the Lucknow Smart City auditorium. The meeting was jointly led by the Police Commissioner and the Divisional Commissioner, with senior officials from numerous agencies in attendance. These included the district administration, traffic police, LDA, LMC, PWD, NHAI, transport department, Lucknow Metro, and Smart City teams.
Stringent Action Against Habitual Offenders
Underlining the enforcement push, officials revealed that action is already underway. Based on traffic police data, the registration of 18,000 vehicles has been suspended. This action targets owners who have violated traffic rules five or more times and have failed to clear their pending fines. Authorities warned that such habitual offenders will continue to face severe penalties, including prosecution and further registration suspensions.
Divisional Commissioner Vijay Vishwas Pant directed all departments to ensure time-bound implementation. He mandated the submission of fortnightly progress reports, stressing that traffic management is a top governance priority and any laxity will not be tolerated.
Roadmap for Smoother Urban Mobility
The multi-pronged roadmap extends beyond intersection management. To tackle congestion from erratic bus operations, the UPSRTC and transport department have been directed to regulate bus movement, remove unauthorized stoppages, and reorganize bus stands where needed.
For highly congested areas, officials have ordered the full utilization of existing multi-level parking facilities. The broader plan also emphasizes:
- Creation of no-vending zones near major intersections.
- Strict regulation of e-rickshaws and autos.
- Phased removal of encroachments.
- Development of underground and multi-level parking.
- Upgradation of road markings, dividers, and traffic signals.
Officials stated that these enforcement drives will be supported by sustained public awareness campaigns, urging citizens to cooperate and follow traffic rules for the collective good of the city's mobility.
