Traffic violations at Mangalabag Square signal in Cuttack. At some places the pylons used as road dividers lie broken. Pictures by Badrika Nath Das

Cuttack, July 6: Traffic violations are on the rise in the Millennium City owing to lack of stringent action against violators and absence of adequate infrastructure at various signals.

Apart from jumping red lights, commuters resort to using the gaps between delineators (tall pylons similar to plastic cones), which are used as road dividers, to cross over from one end to the other, especially at the Mangalabag signal.

“Vehicles coming from the Nuapatna side mostly violate the norms by using the gaps between the plastic cones to beat red lights. This creates problems for commuters coming from the S.C.B. Medical side,” said Prasad Naidu, 38, a commuter.

There is a heavy rush and congestion at Mangalabag Square, where many government institutions and the S.C.B. Medical College and Hospital are located. The vehicles come to a stop there during red light leaving lesser space for other commuters who intend to go towards S.C.B Medical from Nuapatna.

Naidu said no step was being taken to replace the damaged delineators and fill the gaps between them, which, in a way, had turned into a “safe passage” for traffic violators.

“There is absolutely no space for commuters coming from Ranihat and Nuapatna to cross over to the Medical road side and Nuapatna side, respectively. Though the Mangalabag traffic plays a crucial role to regulate vehicular movement, due to space crunch, it creates problems for a number of commuters,” said Ritesh Das, 28, a local resident.

“Everyone seems to be in a hurry and does not intend to wait at the signal. This is not only dangerous for the riders, but also risky for other commuters,” said Prashant Behera, 35.

On the other hand, traffic officers have said steps were being taken to put a check on traffic violations at various signals across the city.

“Apart from the regular awareness drives, steps are also being taken to put a check on traffic violations. On an average, Rs 60,000 is being collected as fines from violators during special drives a day,” said a senior officer.

“That a commuter using the gaps between delineators to cross over is certainly a serious issue and we will certainly initiate action in this regard. Moreover, steps will also be taken to place a stop board to prevent the entry of vehicles and efforts will be initiated to replace the damaged delineators,” the officer said.