Incorrect signage at city crossings causes confusion

Time of India

30-04-2025

Jaipur: They tell you to read the signs. But what happens when the signs are wrong. At JDA circle, a STOP sign is at the edge of the crossing, which, as per rules, is not permissible on a crossing with traffic signals. Motorists here are faced with the STOP sign as well as the traffic light. Which signal should they follow?
Rohit Baluja, president of Institute of Road Traffic Education, has worked with different traffic authorities in Jaipur. He told TOI this issue involves a legal aspect. "Just like violating a signal may lead to motorists being booked under Section 184 of the Motor Vehicle Act, violating this STOP sign would attract the same section. In Jaipur, the authorities have simply put these signages on the important crossings. Many signages in Jaipur are wrongly placed," he said.
Several traffic signages and road markings in Jaipur are faulty and may lead to traffic violations and even accidents without motorists being at fault. These signs deviate from India Road Congress standards in terms of their dimensions, shapes, colours, and placement locations.
Experts point out that despite multiple attempts to bring this matter to JDA's attention, the officials there were unresponsive to their appeals and submissions.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Google Brain Co-Founder Andrew Ng, Recommends: Read These 5 Books And Turn Your Life Around
Blinkist: Andrew Ng's Reading List
Undo
"Most signages on Jaipur roads are in complete violation of Indian Road Congress mandates. We raised this issue at least twice during the traffic control board meeting of Jaipur Development Authority and even submitted written complaints. But, without any effect," said Neha Khullar, project director of Muskan, an NGO working on road safety.
According to Section 67 (2022) of Indian Road Congress mandate, signages shall be rectangular with a blue background. On Jaipur roads, though, signages are displayed on rectangular boards with a yellow background within a circle having red borders.
"Another problem is with the U-turn boards. Authorities have installed several U-turn signages on the pavements along the left side of the flank. If you intend to take a right turn from a crossing or a cut, you need to keep right. How do you expect motorists to read such signages installed on your extreme left?" asked Vikash Jaiswal, a resident of Vidhyadhar Nagar.
Officials of JDA stated that separate zones recruit separate vendors to install traffic signages in the city. If there is any mistake committed, it has perhaps been committed by these vendors. "We can't conclusively state that all traffic signages are wrong or all are right. Whenever we get specific information, we verify the fact and change the signage if required," a JDA official said.