Mumbai Needs8230;

Urban society is no longer the homogeneous community it was. The rural migrant has neither the energy nor any inclination to involve hims...

Urban society is no longer the homogeneous community it was. The rural migrant has neither the energy nor any inclination to involve himself in community matters. The local resident, on the other hand, views every administrative change as an intrusion into his traditional life. The administration is often caught between the unconcern of one section and the apprehension of the other, making the task of the traffic manager very arduous.

There is always a resistance to any change and if unilaterally imposed, is opposed without even examining it. In traffic management, any change threatens the complacency of routine. It is, therefore, unwise to initiate any new measures of traffic regulation without adequate preparation.

The citizen wants the government to provide improved service. He wants new highways, but at the same time, resents their construction, because it would disrupt existing neighbourhood, social patterns and natural ecology. Such double standards have made attempts to shape up the urbantransportation system ineffective.

Community participation is the pivot on which the platform of change rests. The public at large must cooperate to change the urban transportation scene from the present chaotic one to a pretty picture.

Another equally important aspect of the traffic management programme is the manner in which individual officers and constables behave while enforcing traffic laws in general, and new traffic schemes in particular. The experience usually makes a long-lasting impression on the person concerned and he describes it to his family, to his friends and business acquaintances. It is therefore important that the goodwill of the public is not forfeited while enforcing the law.

It is equally essential that the public too appreciate the authorities8217; limitations, financial constraints and inadequacies in infrastructure. It is high time that the public started trusting the traffic cop so that a congenial atmosphere of mutual understanding and goodwill is created. The rest will takecare of itself. Public understanding and cooperation will act as a tonic to enthuse the cop and create in him a desire to work for the welfare of the society and betterment of the system.