The number of cars in India has grown greatly from just 0.3 million in 1951 to 33.0 million in 1998. Growth of motor vehicles in Delhi alone has been unprecedented (from a bare 12,000 in 1951 to 3.3 million at the end of 1999). There has been an increase of 1.7 million vehicles over the last decade. Delhi accounts for 10% of India's motor vehicle population and exceeds the total number of vehicles of three metro cities - Bombay, Calcutta and Madras put together. Delhi has over 40 different modes of transport including a sizeable number of slow moving vehicles including tongas (horse pulled vehicle) hand carts, bullock carts, cycle-rickshaws and bicycles. These are estimated to be over 2 million and are in addition to the motor vehicle traffic. These road users do not require a licence to be on the same road as the other traffic. Due to lack of professionalism in driver training, driving licences are easily accessible. Therefore most of the drivers are seldom aware of the basic road laws, traffic control devices and rules of the road. There is no restriction on people who cannot read and write to obtain driver licences, except for certain categories of vehicles like those carrying dangerous goods. The Institute of Road Traffic Education (IRTE) was formed as a nongovernmental, non-profit organisation in December 1991. In 1993 IRTE conceptualised a unique scheme for participation of university students in traffic management and education. The scheme was initially launched with 40 students. On the basis of the remarkable performance and success of the Student Traffic Volunteers in the field of traffic and management, the strength of the STVS increased from 40 to 100 students by July 1999. The students work 2.5 hours a day, five days a week, either morning peak hours 8.00 a.m. - 10.30 a.m. or evening 5.00 p.m. - 7.30 p.m. They work together with the enforcement staff of Delhi Traffic Police and are supervised by Road Safety Officers of the IRTE. The STV's are required to perform the following tasks: (a) Controlling traffic at intersections under the supervision of Traffic Police; (b) Organising proper parking of vehicles in crowded commercial areas; (c) Educating pedestrians, cyclists and vehicle users about road rules and safe driving; (d) Controlling passengers and bus drivers at bus stops to prevent overcrowding and jostling while boarding; (e) Monitoring traffic outside schools; and (f) Conducting surveys for better traffic management.
Samenvatting