Traffic jam is here to stay, until we change

Traffic jam is the result of cumulative failures on the part of the successive governments, members of the civil society-particularly those owning cars-as well as poor planning of cites and urban development as a whole. The situation is also aggravated by the irresponsible conduct of the drivers and the pedestrians who come out on the streets on a daily basis. We simply have too many vehicles on the streets of the capital incapable of accommodating the ever growing size of traffic movement. Added to all this is the haphazard parking. But the fact remains, besides these visible causes, there are also a number of factors that are responsible for the present state of the traffic jam. It is our impression that matters could have been kept under tolerable limits but for the lack of commitment on the part of the government and the agencies responsible for control measures on the streets on a day-to-day basis. Whenever there is a political rally or otherwise the city streets are full of members of the law enforcement agencies, mainly the police. One wonders as to why more policemen could not be co-opted for traffic control duties? This traffic jam did not come about in a day. Can one tell us as to why motor cycle riders freely use the footpaths whenever there is a gridlock, or even otherwise, as though they have special licences to do so. Of late, the rickshaw pullers have also joined them. All this is taking place right under the very nose of the traffic police on duty. It looks like the only thing our policemen are good at, is beat the hell out of people holding protest rallies against administration's failures that affect their lives adversely. One wonders what happened to those campaigns against fake driving licences and unfit vehicles that continue to ply on the streets of the city? It is high time for the government to seriously consider having a revised policy on the import of vehicles not exceeding sizes ranging between 1000 and 1500ccs particularly for family uses. Restrictions should be imposed on the number of cars individual families can own. Conversely, import of small cars should be encouraged, by providing incentives on import duties and taxes. This, in turn, will result into conservation of fuels on a national basis, too. Without any farther delay the old unfit buses and tempos should be taken off the roads. Following different hours for schools, offices-both private and public-aimed at easing the traffic jam can be worth trying. Well, it is easier said than done. Problems of traffic jam have become endemic and multi-dimensional. No matter how lofty projects and planning are undertaken, in all likelihood the problems will persist. The traffic jam is caught in the cobweb of all-round poor governance and management practices. The other major problem is physical, material and mental corruption of those agencies entrusted with the responsibility of control and enforcement of traffic laws on the streets. From top to bottom corruption reigns supreme. These days when we come out on the streets, our driver often points to a traffic sergeant on the roads here and there and says, "Sir, the collection drive is on." It is easier to do it with private cars since whatever document is found missing, the blame will be put on the poor drivers most of whose credibility are questionable with their masters." It is a vicious cycle into which the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) drags the vehicle owners and the driver, the drivers take on the vehicles and their owners and the traffic police have a field day and take on the whole lot of them. The ministry concerned and the relevant agencies in the meantime are engaged in dramatics to calm the nerves of the public citing proposed mega projects aimed at "easing the horrific state of the traffic jam". Promise or no promise or action or no action from any corner whatsoever, the traffic jam is here to stay. All we, the people, can do is; take to the prayer mats seek His blessings and hope for the best. The writer can be reached at email: caa342@yahoo.com