Pushing for Safer Streets: Delhi's Call for Audio Traffic Signals

Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta has appealed for the installation of audio traffic signals to assist senior citizens and disabled individuals. Highlighting the visibility challenges faced by millions in Delhi, Gupta urged immediate action to improve street safety and accessibility, drawing inspiration from successful implementations in other countries.

In a move to improve pedestrian safety, Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta has called on Lt Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu to consider the installation of audio traffic signals in the city. Gupta's appeal comes amidst growing concerns about the daily struggles faced by vulnerable pedestrians, including senior citizens and people with disabilities.

Citing data from the Rajendra Prasad Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, Gupta highlighted that nearly 60 lakh Delhi residents suffer from vision impairments, with 12 to 18 lakh people experiencing significant low vision. This demographic, he argued, faces significant challenges with the current visual-only traffic systems.

Gupta noted that countries such as Japan, the UK, and the USA have successfully integrated auditory cues into traffic systems to enhance accessibility. Implementing similar measures could substantially reduce accidents in Delhi, ensuring safer pedestrian travel across the city.

(With inputs from agencies.)