Cops rope in kids to raise helmet awareness, plan to talk to parents
Times of India | 21 November 2024
12 Kolkata: Following a spate of accidents involving school children, the Kolkata Traffic Police police are now planning to target parents of all the students who travel to school on two-wheelers.
In addition, cops are setting up road boom barriers outside the school premises to prevent students from straying onto the main roads. These efforts are already visible at Kidderpore and Shyambazar. Starting this week, multiple south Kolkata traffic guards have begun a campaign to speak directly to the parents. "While the distribution of helmets has always taken place at our guards, we must also remember that the onus should begin with the parent," said an officer.
However, the police want a long build-up before the interaction begins. "Instead of us dishing out do's and dont's, we are getting the children to talk to their parents. We are asking the students to raise slogans and hold placards regarding the safety of children travelling on two-wheelers, illegal parking, and blind spots," said an ACP.
An effort in this regard was seen outside St Lawrence School and Nava Nalanda on Wednesday, where several students wore helmets and held placards to send across a strong message.
Traffic guards have also been asked to generate feedback from various stakeholders — students, guardians, and teachers — on what can be done to increase road safety and ease traffic movement. It was this feedback from St Thomas Girls' and St Thomas Boys' School that led the police to set up the boom barriers in front of the entrance gate of the schools.
"A channel has been created during school hours by removing the parking lot so that students can wait for their vehicles there. This was important since there is a Metro construction taking place in that area, and safety of the students is a prime concern," said a DCP. Similar boom barriers have been installed at important crossings near Shyambazar Crossing. "All the boom barriers have been aligned with zebra crossings," said an officer.
The southeast and Shyambazar Traffic guards, which organised special sessions that highlighted various aspects of pedestrian safety, also spoke about various ongoing civil work by KMC, the Kolkata Metro, and other bodies, and how students can keep themselves safe. "We explained traffic concepts to students on Wednesday. In a few days, joint sessions with parents — according to the wishes of the children — will be carried out on various safety aspects," said an officer of Shyambazar traffic guard at a school near Sovabazar Metro Station.
At two Behala schools, commuting took centre stage. "We asked students about the commuting problems they face and sought suggestions on what can be done to ease their concerns during the exam season. They pointed out to two-wheeler parking issues and claimed that it made crossovers difficult and slowed the passage of school buses," said an officer.