Bhubaneswar: The new automatic traffic lighting system has created more problems than it solved with commuters jumping the lights at will.

Police introduced automatic traffic lighting systems in the city around three months ago, leaving it to commuters to follow the signals. Earlier, the traffic personnel used to control traffic manually by standing at the posts.

All intersections along Janpath - Rupali Square, IDBI Square, Big Bazaar Square, Ram Mandir Square and Sriya Square - have since witnessed a spike in red light violations. A number of vehicles are spotted crossing these squares despite red lights every now and then.

The situation is worse at junctions where traffic personnel leave their posts in the hope that the new lights will be more efficient in controlling vehicular rush. However, most of the times, the commuters violate red light norms thinking that the junctions were unguarded.

"Traffic has become chaotic with people crossing the junctions at their will. Congestion has become a regular affair. Chances of mishaps are higher with such violations," said daily commuter Akshay Sahu.

City authorities plan to install smart traffic signalling systems at 58 junctions under the smart city programme. They also plan to install pelican systems at 14 places to control pedestrians at zebra crossings. Sources said the new system was already working at more than 50 junctions.

The laying of underground cables along Janpath has made matters worse. The roads have narrowed, further congesting the intersections.

"The previous system of manual signalling should continue till the work is completed," said another commuter.

Assistant commissioner of police (traffic) Anup Kanungo said they had conducted a drive in Bhubaneswar on Thursday and penalised more than 600 persons for various traffic violations, including jumping signals. "We are also serving notices to those jumping signals after checking footages of the CCTV cameras installed at various intersections," he said.