57 traffic points in Delhi get auditory devices

Delhi's traffic department has installed auditory devices at 57 traffic signals for the safety of blind people, the high court here was told.

Filing an affidavit before a division bench of Justice G. Rohini and Justice R.S. Endlaw last week, the deputy commissioner of police (traffic) told the court that 37 locations have also been identified for installing the devices.

The traffic department filed the affidavit in response to a public interest litigation seeking the court's direction for government and civic agencies to install auditory signals at red lights for physically handicapped people.

The affidavit said currently 857 traffic signals and 401 traffic blinkers were functioning across the city to ensure smooth movement of traffic and safety of pedestrians.

Besides, it said the illegally parked vehicles were towed away with cranes.

"Regular action against second-hand car dealers, who are causing encroachment on roads, is being taken by Delhi Traffic Police," said the affidavit.

It added that maximum number of traffic personnel were deployed at all strategic intersections and locations to maintain safe and smooth flow of traffic.

The PIL, filed by social worker Vinod Kumar Bansal through advocates Anupam Srivastava and Sitab Ali Chaudhary, has demanded parking spaces should be provided to physically challenged people in line with the Master Plan Delhi 2021.

The plea also sought directions to make pavements wheelchair-friendly.