Traffic police puts up canopies at key junctions in the city

Traffic police install green shade canopies at key traffic junctions in the city to provide respite to commuters.

Traffic police have installed temporary green shade canopies at key traffic junctions in the city to provide respite to commuters who have to wait in the scorching sun.

According to the officials, the green cloth canopy has been put up at the Puthur Four Road signal, and works are under way at the Karur Bypass Road signal near Megastar Theatre.

Police have identified eight more traffic signals to install canopies. Head Post Office signal, Odathurai Road signal, Vestry School signal, Mannarpuram signal, Mambalasalai signal, Karur Bypass Road near Kalaignar Arivalayam, Palpannai signal and Mutharaiyar statue signal are to get shade canopies in the coming weeks.

Considering the movement of heavy vehicles, these shelters are installed at about 20 feet in height and would cover about 1,500 to 3,000 square feet of space in the signal. Each canopy will cost around ₹80,000 to ₹1 lakh to set up. The initiative has been undertaken with the help of private sponsors.

With the city recording temperatures of 35 to 37 degrees Celsius, the shelters would provide a short respite for road users. This will also prevent motorist from jumping traffic signals to escape the heat, a senior official said. The shades will be available till the summer ends.

Motorists have welcomed the move. However, as a permanent solution, they suggest raising tree saplings at viable spots to increase green cover.