Congestion at the crossing near the museum. Pic by Ranjith Perera

Mixed reactions to new one-way traffic system

Mixed feelings were expressed at the introduction of the one-way traffic system along Duplication and Galle road which will come into effect from tomorrow.

According to the new traffic system, the stretch of road between Bambalapitiya and Kollupitiya junction will be made one way for vehicles heading towards Galle Face Green while Duplication road will be made exclusive for vehicles heading from Kollupitiya, Liberty Plaza towards Bambalapitiya and will be able to re-enter at the Galle road/ Bambalapitiya junction.

In light of these changes, A. Asela, a doctor who manages a pharmacy in Bambalapitiya said that the introduction of one-way traffic along Galle road would help reduce traffic congestion and that it was even good as an experiment, saying there should be a solution to the growing traffic congestion on the road.

“Just talking doesn’t help bring down traffic, the police need to try out and see what can be done to solve this matter, ” he said. However, M.P Rajah, a peanut vendor stationed near St. Anthony’s Mawatha in Bambalapitiya was of an opposing view lamenting that the new system could affect his business.

He said that some people coming from Colombo via Galle road get down from a nearby halt and often come to buy things from him but with the new system the particular halt would not be there anymore since buses bound from Colombo would go through Duplication road. Roshika Lashanthi, working in Kollupitiya said that she comes to work from Kiribathgoda and with the Galle road being made one way, she says that she has to get down from the Duplication road and walks upto her office. However, she added that getting back home would be easier due to less traffic.

A resident in Kollupitiya said people had to wait and see as to how the new system would affect people and road traffic. He said though people may have to walk a bit more than usual, he believed it would be more convenient for them.

Uni-flow system to ease congestion
Amidst complaints about the previous uni-flow system which affected Reid Avenue, the Colombo Traffic Police have decided to introduce the system on both Duplication and Galle road making traffic one way.

Traffic along Galle road in the direction of Colombo Fort could use both the entrance and exit lanes from Bambalapitiya junction up to Colpetty junction to enter Colombo thereby using four lanes. Traffic coming from Colombo Fort could move along Galle Road up to Kolpetty junction and turn left and enter Duplication road via the Liberty roundabout and use both entrance and exit lanes, thereby using four lanes to reach Vajira Road. Traffic along Duplication road, could turn right at Buller’s Road junction and enter Galle Road to proceed in the direction of Wellawatte.

Bus halts are due to be erected along Duplication road, so that commuters could board buses from here itself without having to walk the distance between Duplication and Galle road. However, many parents have complained that the uni-flow traffic system has caused inconveniences to school children, owing to the fact that they have to walk long distances to bus halts and the lack of pedestrian crossings could put children at risk when crossing the road. Director, Colombo City Traffic SSP Y.G.M.R Laffir told The Sunday Times that the Traffic Police seek public co-operation to implement this system and to ensure the future well-being of the public while encouraging economic development in the country.

“This one way system, will cut traffic congestion in the city and will reduce the waste of fuel. This method will also help national security. Many developed countries have adopted this method. This is a great achievement for Sri Lanka,” he said.