Taking a cue from Switzerland model to control pollution levels and save energy, Delhi Traffic Police in association with Petroleum Corporation Research Association (PCRA) is going to launch a campaign on busy intersections where the drivers will be asked to switch off their vehicles till the green light blinks to start the vehicles.
The campaign will be launched on 100 junctions especially the red lights with longer duration such as ITO, Moti Bagh, South Extension, Bhikaji Cama Place and many more where the drivers will be asked to switch of the vehicles. When 15-20 seconds will be left for the green light to start, the vehicles standing in the first two rows will be allowed to switch on their vehicles.
"When the vehicles in the first two rows will start, in the mean time the vehicle in the next and back will get time to switch on. The model is followed in Switzerland to save environment and energy. We found the model useful to control pollution levels as well as the fuel in the city," said Dependra Pathak Special Commissioner of Police (Traffic).
"Due to two-wheelers, air-conditioned vehicles and others the pollution level is increasing at a higher rate and crores of litres of fuel are wasted every day. So such a small step can contribute to save the environment and energy. The campaign is for one month. After getting good response we may apply this strictly," he added.
The project may also involve schoolchildren and volunteers who will educate the commuters in the red light signals through banners, sign boards. Further awareness boards, jingles, advertisements will also be used to aware the general public.
Vehicle tracking cameras will also be installed at red lights during the peak and non-peak hours to observe the number of vehicles and its movements to effect further improvement.
"First we had conducted a study in Bhikaji Cama Place where we studied the behaviours between the red light and different vehicle users. We observed the behaviours of the drivers and their knowledge. So through this campaign we will educate the commuters about driving, road safety, how to save environment, ethics of redlight and so on," said an official from PCRA.