Gujarat High Court Urges State to Install Spike Strips to Curb Wrong Side Driving Menace
In a significant development, the Gujarat High Court has directed the State government to explore the installation of one-way spike strips on roads to tackle the persistent problem of motorists driving on the wrong side. The court expressed its disappointment with the lack of action taken by the traffic police against these errant drivers.
During the hearing of a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by Mustak Hussain Mehndi Hussain Kadri against Jagadip Narayan Singh, IAS, a bench comprising Justices AS Supehia and MR Mengdey strongly criticized both the motorists and the traffic police for their disregard of road rules. Justice Supehia personally witnessed numerous instances of wrong side driving, even on flyovers, and highlighted the alarming frequency of accidents caused by such violations.
Expressing concern over the prevailing situation, the court suggested the adoption of a device commonly used in other countries, which presumably refers to spike strips. These strips would automatically deflate the tires of vehicles traveling in the wrong direction, ensuring immediate consequences for violators. The court emphasized the need for strict action and urged the government to seriously consider implementing this measure.
Advocate Amit M Panchal, representing the petitioner, presented the case before the court, while Government Pleader Manisha Luvkumar Shah represented the State during the proceedings. The PIL shed light on the pressing traffic issues in the State, prompting the court to address the matter and propose the spike strip solution as a potential remedy.
TAGS: Gujarat High Court State government spike strips wrong side driving motorists traffic police displeasure violation flyovers device tyres burst public interest litigation petitioner advocate Government Pleader traffic issues.
