Alathur: A corrective step is on the way for those who forget the lesson that pedestrians have first priority on public roads. The Public Works Department (PWD) will soon restore faded zebra crossings at pedestrian pathways. The Motor Vehicles Department (MVD) will take strict action against negligent driving that ignores pedestrians and against vehicles stopping on zebra crossings at traffic signals.

‘Table-top zebra lines’ to be widely introduced

The PWD and the MVD have agreed to widely introduce ‘table-top zebra lines’, which compel drivers to slow down vehicles. They are called table-top zebra lines because they are slightly raised above the road surface.

These zebra crossings are designed with a gentle slope parallel to the road so that vehicle wheels do not hit abruptly, forcing drivers to reduce speed. After a flat, table-like surface, the crossing again ends with a slope. They are constructed across the road using a tar mixture.

Over the past two years, all newly constructed roads in Kozhikode district by the PWD have been fitted with such zebra crossings. The assessment is that they help reduce vehicle speed and prevent vehicles from stopping on zebra crossings. Based on this experience, it has been decided to expand them across the State.

The move follows a High Court directive to protect the safety and rights of pedestrians at zebra crossings. Transport Commissioner CH Nagaraju had informed the High Court that strict action would be taken against drivers who violate the law.

The court has directed that the driving licences of repeat offenders be cancelled. Fines will be imposed on those who speed up or honk to intimidate pedestrians. Rules related to zebra crossings will also be included in road tests.

A joint inspection committee has identified 1,706 accident-prone locations across the State. In the past month alone, the MVD registered 901 cases related to zebra crossings alone. This year, 218 people have died in accidents at zebra crossings.