LUCKNOW: In a proactive move to ease the chronic traffic congestion outside schools, Lucknow police held a crucial meeting with the education department on Wednesday. The session, attended by senior traffic officials and school administrators, focused on devising practical solutions to the daily chaos that plagues school zones during peak hours.
Parents and commuters have long complained about the bottlenecks near prominent schools in areas like Gomti Nagar, Aliganj, and Jankipuram. Vehicles double-parked for drop-offs and pick-ups create gridlock, delaying ambulances and other emergency services. ‘This is a persistent issue that affects not just parents but the entire city’s traffic flow,’ said SP Traffic, Lucknow, emphasizing the need for immediate action.
Key proposals from the meeting include designating no-parking zones strictly enforced by traffic wardens, introducing staggered school timings to spread out the rush, and encouraging carpooling through awareness campaigns. Schools were urged to develop internal traffic management plans, such as separate entry and exit gates for vehicles.
The education department representatives highlighted the challenges of implementing changes without disrupting academic schedules. However, they agreed to pilot programs in high-density areas starting next month. ‘Collaboration is key. We’re looking at tech solutions like apps for real-time parking availability,’ added a senior official.
Local residents welcomed the initiative. ‘Finally, something is being done about the school-hour madness,’ said Priya Sharma, a mother of two. The police assured that CCTV surveillance will be ramped up, with hefty fines for violators. Follow-up meetings are scheduled bi-weekly to monitor progress and tweak strategies as needed.
This joint effort underscores Lucknow’s commitment to smarter urban mobility, potentially setting a model for other cities grappling with similar issues. As implementation kicks off, residents can expect smoother roads around their neighborhood schools.