Cuttack: Pedestrians are facing inconvenience to cross several busy roads in the Silver City here as the zebra crossings have faded away due to poor maintenance.
Taking undue advantage of the situation, many motorists usually halt their vehicles on the faded zebra crossing and leave no space for walkers to cross the roads, sources said.
As per the traffic rules, motorists are bound to leave the zebra crossings for walkers while halting their vehicles at squares or junctions.
Besides, traffic police personnel have been authorised to penalise motorists who halt their vehicles on the zebra crossings.
Zebra crossings near Mangalabag and Badambadi traffic posts have faded away completely. Consequently, hundreds of pedestrians have been facing problems to cross the roads at the above two busy squares.
Traffic police sources said the Public Works department is supposed to repaint the faded zebra crossings in the city. However, the department has failed to do it duty properly.
On the other hand, zebra crossings are intact near Link Road traffic post. However, motorists usually halt their vehicles on the zebra crossings. The traffic police deployed at the square turn mute spectators to the open violation of traffic rules.
Moreover, the authorities concerned are yet to lay zebra crossings near traffic posts at Ranihat, Bidanasi and Satichaura areas of the city.
“The authorities concerned do not maintain the zebra crossings properly while traffic police personnel seldom bother to take action against the violators. The motorists should obey the traffic rules,” said Gangadhar Swain, a resident of Mangalabagh.
Choudhury Bazar Puja Committee president Debashish Ray said traffic police should take stern action against motorists who halt vehicles on the zebra crossings. “Traffic rules remain on pen and paper only due to non-cooperation from motorists and callousness among traffic police,” he added.
Public Works department executive engineer MR Khan said they would take immediate steps to repaint the faded zebra crossings.
Assistant Commissioner of Police (traffic) Jatin Panda said they have been collecting fines from motorists who halt vehicles on zebra crossings at junctions. “We need cooperation from motorists and common people on the issue,” he added.