Bengaluru: Despite continuous awareness programmes educating motorists about the offence of footpath riding, there is still an increase in cases booked against offenders.
The city traffic police have not been successful in curbing the menace despite passing several rules. Recently, they also started registering FIRs against motorists riding on footpaths, but still the menace is rampant and is the highest during peak hours.
Mr Harishekaran, Additional Commissioner of Police (Traffic), said, “We have directed the officials to book FIRs against people riding on footpaths. Two-wheeler riders, who want to go ahead of others, ride on footpaths posing a danger to pedestrians. Strict enforcement will help in curbing this menace. We are identifying the black spots where the offence is committed frequently and developing a plan of action.”
Pedestrians are unhappy that the the traffic police are not taking strict action against footpath riders. Sri Raksha, a resident of 80 Feet Road in Indiranagar, said, “An offender gets caught, pays the fine and gets away without learning any lesson. Instead, the vehicle should be towed and licences cancelled. Recently, the police have started registering FIRs, but it is of no use. Two-wheeler riders too should be responsible, as everything cannot be monitored by law enforcing agencies.” ‘Pedestrians should stop giving way’
Another senior traffic police officer advised pedestrians not to give way to motorists while walking on footpaths. “If there is a confrontation because of this, pedestrians should immediately inform the police or control room and we will take action. Once the pedestrians stop giving way, the motorists will learn their lesson. They should not be scared of consequences.”
