Let’s not constantly exhibit our idiocy publicly

Atal Bihari Vajpayee. File pic

More than 200 motorists were penalised Rs 500 each for unnecessarily stopping their vehicles on the new Atal Bihari Vajpayee Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL) or Atul Setu for clicking pictures and picnicking, affecting vehicular movement on the sea bridge, police said. Reports stated that the police warned that the bridge is not a picnic spot. Novelty and aesthetics aside, police also cautioned against stopping and taking selfies on the bridge.

Traffic police of Mumbai and Navi Mumbai have warned of registering criminal offences against motorists if they stop the vehicle on the sea bridge. The 21.8 km-long bridge witnessed much excitement during and post recent opening. Yet, we must see that we follow all traffic rules, everywhere including on this link.

There should be prominent signage at both ends warning users against stopping cars for photos or simply to take in the views. This is not just dangerous for users but for others plying on the bridge too. It is also disappointing and ridiculous that the bridge become a picnic spot for persons, as who is allowed to picnic on traffic infra? No halt signs should be placed at intervals along the bridge.

In fact, this flouting of rules, from adrenalin fuelled first time users who wanted to put up their pictures on social media, is an offshoot of similar violations at different infra in the city. From two wheelers plying on bridges that do not allow two wheelers, to stunts on vehicles, they all more or less fall in to the same category. Then there are those taking U-turns on bridges, going the wrong way, breaking signals, halting mid-road, the list is long. No doubt the selfie seekers will peter out once the novelty value of Atul Setu declines. There is a message though, let us use, enjoy and benefit from new infra through correct and lawful usage. Made for the people, put safety before selfies and life before ‘likes'.