Ambattur Residents Call for Removal of Non-Compliant Speedbreaker Near School
Residents of Ambattur in Chennai have formally requested the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) to remove a rubber-plastic speedbreaker installed in front of a school on TI School Road in Thiruvengada Nagar. The structure, which is intended as a traffic-calming measure, has reportedly become a significant inconvenience and safety hazard for motorists in the area.
Safety Concerns Over Non-Standard Speedbreaker
The speedbreaker in question is a thin, high-visibility model typically used in residential, commercial, and parking areas. However, it does not adhere to the standards set by the Indian Roads Congress (IRC). According to IRC guidelines, speedbreakers on public roads should be:
- 3.7 metres wide
- 10 centimetres high
- Feature a 17-metre radius hump designed for speeds of 25 km/h
- Marked with reflective thermoplastic paint
- Accompanied by advance warning signs
Residents have highlighted that more than four such plastic speedbreakers on TI School Road have turned into a safety issue. S Suresh, general secretary of the Thiruvengada Nagar Residents Welfare Association, explained, "Motorists riding two-wheelers over these speedbreakers experience excruciating pain. There is a genuine fear that their vehicles might skid, posing a serious risk."
Residents' Complaints and Official Response
The residents have lodged complaints with both traffic authorities and GCC Zone 7 officials. T Senthil Kumar, joint secretary of the association, emphasized, "The speedbreakers must be removed immediately. However, since this is a school zone, it is crucial to install speedbreakers that comply with GCC norms to ensure the safety of schoolchildren."
In response, a GCC official from Zone 7 stated that the school management initially installed the plastic speedbreakers to protect students from high-speed vehicles. The official noted, "Vehicles travel at high speeds here, endangering students' lives. If we install a speedbreaker according to IRC standards, it is often disregarded. However, following residents' demands for removal, we will take action and lay a new speedbreaker as per established norms."
Balancing Safety and Compliance
This situation underscores the ongoing challenge of balancing road safety with regulatory compliance in urban areas. While the intent to safeguard school zones is commendable, the use of non-standard infrastructure can inadvertently create new hazards. The GCC's commitment to replacing the speedbreaker with one that meets IRC guidelines is a step toward resolving this issue, aiming to protect both pedestrians and motorists effectively.
Residents remain hopeful that the swift implementation of these changes will enhance safety on TI School Road, ensuring a secure environment for children and smoother travel for commuters.
