Law & Order: Lack of speed control measures between Third Mile ROB and VVD Signal raises safety concerns

The absence of speed breakers or other speed control measures between the Third Mile Rail Over Bridge (ROB) and VVD Signal has raised concern among residents and motorists, with frequent accidents reported on the stretch.

The stretch forms part of the highway connecting Thoothukudi and Palayamkottai and witnesses the movement of thousands of commuters throughout the day. Many vehicles travelling at a high speed from the ROB continue towards the subsequent stretches without any speed-control measures, often resulting in accidents, residents said.

Santhanam, a resident of P&T Colony, said a speed breakers or rumble strips on the stretch were essential as they could help regulate vehicle speeds. He added even a few days ago a police constable died in an accident on the very same stretch and numbers of accidents had increased in the recent months.

Explaining that barricades should not be erected even as a temporary solution, as the road is two-way and buses and trucks could find it difficult to navigate the stretch, causing further inconvenience to the motorists.

He urged the authorities to take immediate action to address the issue in the interest of public safety.

M.S. Muthu, Thoothukudi city secretary of CPI(M), said the road condition on the stretch was poor, with several uneven patchwork repairs. He added multiple speed breakers or rumble strips were required on the stretch between Third Mile and Thoothukudi South Police station to regulate vehicle speed within the city.

He also stressed that such speed-control measures should be installed in front of educational institutions and hospitals, as well at the points where subsidiary roads meet the main road. Mr. Muthu urged the authorities to implement the measure at the earliest.

Speaking on the issue, a police personnel from Thoothukudi traffic wing said a proposal has already been submitted to highways department for construction of speed breakers or installation of rumble strips. Details of the accident reported on the stretch had also been submitted along with the proposal, he added.