At the outset, we must understand that the problem stems from the rise in vehicular population, along with the fact that our existing roads are over loaded. This is why people end up riding on footpaths. It is no justification, of course, for motorists who violate the law and ride on footpaths meant for pedestrians.
I have always directed my sub-ordinates to prioritise the safety of pedestrians, to penalise offenders and register cases against them. We are planning a massive, city-wide drive soon, against footpath riding.
We have already identified the vulnerable places, where footpath riding is rampant, and will take the necessary actions. The places identified and our plan for carrying out the drive cannot be discussed, as that would hamper and defeat our efforts.
We have also been receiving numerous complaints about online service delivery boys, who tend to break traffic rules without hesitating. I have noticed that they jump signals, ride on footpaths and park in no-parking zones. When they are caught, they claim that they are being pressurized by the companies they work for to deliver items on time, which is why they break the rules. We will ensure that they are not let off the hook either and we also want companies to take responsibility for such behaviour.
