Traffic snarls have been causing a nightmarish experience for road users in view of a large number of vehicles, particularly school and college buses, plying through the main streets in the town.
The town needs a comprehensive traffic plan to be enforced with stronger teeth, according to residents and traders.
The problem is more pronounced during peak hours in the morning (8.00 a.m. to 9.30 a.m.) and in the evening (4.30 p.m. to 6.00 p.m.). The worst-hit is Kamarajar Valaivu where the traffic rules are more flouted than followed.
A number of schools and colleges are located on the Chennai-Tiruchi National Highway and a number of school buses and vans from various residential areas such as Athur Road, Elambalur Road, Old Bus stand area converge towards Kamarajar Valaivu during the peak hour. Although an automatic traffic signal has been set up in the area, it is operated only after peak hours in the morning paving the way for speedy movement of buses and vans and other vehicles.
With the town accounting for a large number of share auto-rickshaws, the problem turns worse as these vehicles stop according to their whims and fancies to pick up passengers. Introduction of one-way traffic system and posting of traffic personnel at needy places would solve the problem to a great extent, according to a cross section of people. One of the traders pointed out that efforts should also be taken to sensitise people to traffic safety norms.
