The Kerala High Court on Thursday came down heavily on the authorities over recurring accidents at zebra crossings, calling out the state’s failure to ensure pedestrian safety despite repeated directions. 

The court criticised the unscientific design and poor maintenance of zebra crossings in major cities, particularly Kochi, despite earlier assurances from the Inspector General of Traffic and reports filed by senior government pleader K V Manoj Kumar. 

Justice Devan Ramachandran, while hearing a petition on road safety, noted that a pedestrian was recently injured—and possibly killed—while attempting to cross a marked zebra crossing after being hit by a negligent driver. Calling the incident “a stark reminder of how casually our society views driving culture,” the court observed that every vehicle, when driven recklessly, becomes “a sure killer.” “Vehicles are killing machines, if not used correctly,” the bench remarked.

The court pointed out that crossings are often blocked by illegally parked vehicles, while pedestrians are forced to weave through moving traffic even when traffic signals favour them. “It is a shame that the situation continues without change, despite repeated accidents and loss of life,” the bench said, stressing that empty promises will not suffice. Judges also noted that they had personally witnessed the hazardous conditions on Kochi’s roads.

Emphasising that a change in road culture requires decisive action, not preaching, the court directed the Inspector General (Traffic) and the public works department secretary to personally intervene. It ordered them to ensure scientifically designed zebra crossings at all major junctions, proper traffic signal coordination for both vehicles and pedestrians, and unobstructed walkways.

“Since this issue involves human lives, I hope paucity of funds will not be cited as an excuse to avoid what is imperative,” the bench cautioned.

The court also directed the IG (Traffic), PWD secretary, and the transport commissioner to appear online at the next hearing, which has been posted for three weeks later.
(With LiveLaw inputs)