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Traffic blues

2024-01-17
THE traffic police force deployed at the traffic signal near the National Stadium in Karachi has made it a lucrative spot, especially during the evening hours.

The main target happens to be motoristswho are returning home after office hours.

For around half-a-minute, the green traffic light blinks the seconds in the reverse order which is the general practice.

When the countdown gets to 5, the remaining digits blink simultaneously, and the traffic light turns red within a second, instead of five. The drivers who try to cross the road at digit 5 get stuck in middle of the intersecting road due to slow movement of cars ahead. There is no amber light on the signal, and the light immediately changes from green to red. This provides an excellent opportunity to the waiting constable to stop such drivers for `violating the signal`.

I have been crossing this intersection daily for the last almost two decades, but was never stopped by a constable. A few days ago, the stream came to an end when a constable stopped me for alleged violation of the signal. However, on my insistence thatIhadnotbroken the signal as I had entered the intersecting road at digit 5, he did let me go.

Nevertheless, this daily ordeal and unjustified fleecing of motorists must stop immediately. The higher authorities should direct the constables posted there not to manipulate the numbers, which should proceed with the countdown at the normal speed. Besides, the amber light should be restored yrgently to provide ample time for the drivers to stop.

Parvez Rahim Karachi