Cops to control traffic in front of schools

Regarding the safety of schoolchildren, the city police on Sunday decided to deploy police personnel in front of schools and main junctions near schools during the morning and evening rush hours.


The decision was taken at a meeting held at the City Traffic (West) police station conference hall as part of implementing the Citizen for Security scheme.


With schools reopening, the city police have requested the Public Works Department (PWD) authorities to mark zebra lines on the roads in front of all schools.


The police also said that 55 persons are willing to volunteer in the scheme.


“Student Police Cadets (SPC) will be deployed to assist children to cross roads in front of schools. Four SPCs from each school, along with SPC drill instructors, will be engaged for traffic control for half-an-hour before and after school hours. Eleven schools in the city have implemented the SPC project,” said V M Muhammed Rafeeq, Kochi City Traffic (West) Assistant Commissioner.


The police stated that instructions have been issued to remove all advertisement boards placed at medians and footpaths that obstruct the traffic. Violators will invite legal action.


During the last six months, the Regional Transport Office has suspended the driving licences of 750 persons for six months based on reports of drunken driving.


V M Muhammed Rafeeq presided over the meeting and presented a detailed report on the Citizen for Security scheme’s objectives. Representatives of the residents’ associations, Indian Red Cross Society and Kochi City Action Force attended the meeting.