Residents demand better pedestrian safety near schools

Residents in various parts of the city are expressing concerns about pedestrian safety near schools and hospitals. They say that increased traffic from ongoing Metro work makes it hard for people to cross roads safely. Ahmed Sirajuddin, who runs a school, points out that the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has not built proper pedestrian facilities or speed breakers in these areas. Many drivers, especially on motorcycles, are speeding near schools, heightening the risk of accidents when children try to cross the streets. Sirajuddin urges civic agencies to address the issue. He notes that sidewalks near schools like Jamalia Higher Secondary School and Everwin School are often unreachable. He suggests creating designated school zones with traffic restrictions, similar to practices in other countries. N. Mathavan, a former GCC engineer, emphasizes the danger for kids trying to cross roads near the Vijayanagar Bus Terminus. He believes the GCC and the Highways Department should work together to improve pedestrian facilities in these high-risk areas. Ward 104 Councillor T.V. Shemmozhi also highlights the lack of pedestrian infrastructure near schools in Anna Nagar. K.P. Subramanian, a former professor at Anna University, stresses the need to clearly define school zones. He says the safety of students depends on proper road networks and visible traffic control devices like signs and signals.