Wrong-side driving rampant on several roads in Coimbatore

Wrong-side driving has become increasingly common on several arterial and interior roads in Coimbatore, raising the risk of accidents.

Traffic police data shows that 13,293 cases of wrong-side driving have been booked in the city this year alone so far.

Some of the roads in core areas that have been designated one-way include Cross Cut Road, Rangai Gowder Street, Nawab Hakim Road, Edayar Street and Old Post Office Road. Violations are also frequent on major stretches such as Sathyamangalam Road, Avinashi Road, Trichy Road, Thadagam Road and Lawley Road.

Commuters said motorists — particularly two-wheelers and autorickshaws — often ignore “no entry” boards and enter from the opposite side. “This creates confusion and puts law-abiding motorists at risk of head-on collisions. At times, vehicles are forced to brake suddenly or swerve, which itself can lead to accidents. Those who follow the rules lose time and face danger because a few choose to drive recklessly,” said K. Priya Dharshini, a commuter.

Officials said that many motorists resort to the practice to avoid U-turns or to save time, but this leads to the possibility of head-on crashes and traffic disruptions.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) S. Ashok Kumar said monitoring has been stepped up. “Signboards have been placed, awareness programmes are being conducted for drivers of all categories of vehicles, and vehicle checks are under way. First-time offenders are fined ₹500 and repeat offenders ₹1,500. Barricades have also been placed to prevent violations,” he said.

K. Kathirmathiyon, member of the District Road Safety Committee, said the public should take photographs of wrong-side driving and share them with the police. He noted that enforcement teams cannot be present at all locations, while violations occur at different hours and on multiple stretches.

Citing a recent incident near the Old Avinashi Road flyover underpass, he said a taxi driver went against the flow of traffic and blocked vehicles. A commuter photographed the violation and shared it with the police, leading to an immediate fine. “When the public supports enforcement by reporting such cases, timely action becomes possible, and the inevitability of penalty will force offenders to think twice before repeating the violation,” he said.