Kolkata traffic police to install 400 'Go Slow' boards, costing ₹9 lakh, to cut road accidents

Kolkata Traffic Police have announced the installation of 400 'Go Slow' boards across the city to reduce road accidents. The initiative, with a budget of ₹9 lakh, will focus on accident-prone areas and roads near schools. The decision comes as part of a larger effort to address the rising number of road fatalities and to enhance safety for both pedestrians and drivers. The boards will be placed at key locations identified for frequent accidents and high pedestrian movement.

The new boards will be white in color, with the words ‘Go Slow’ written in black and a red border around the three corners. These boards are designed to be highly visible, even at night, to catch the attention of drivers and encourage safer driving practices. The installation is part of the police’s ongoing efforts to tackle excessive speeding, which has been a major factor in many accidents.

The locations for the boards were determined after a thorough evaluation of accident statistics, as well as consultations with traffic guards and local authorities. Special attention was given to areas with a high concentration of schools and places with frequent pedestrian crossings. In addition, the police have considered the safety of pedestrians, who are often seen walking carelessly on roads, a concern that contributes to the accident rate.

With over 400 boards set to be installed, the initiative is a direct response to the growing concerns about road safety. Two years ago, a tragic accident at Behala Chowrasta, where a student was killed by a speeding lorry, brought attention to the issue of reckless driving. Following investigations into such incidents, the police are hopeful that the 'Go Slow' boards will effectively remind drivers to adhere to speed limits and reduce road accidents.