Mumbai: Tyre-killers in Malabar Hill, but is it even legal?

The spike speed breaker installed to curb wrong-side driving. Pics/Sameer Markande

The BMC has installed a speed breaker with spikes on B G Kher Marg in Malabar Hill to deter bikers coming from the wrong side of the road. This marks the first time BMC has implemented this type of speed breaker on the road.

According to a BMC official, the road from Kamala Nehru Park to Kemps Corner junction is designated as one-way. However, they have been receiving complaints from locals about bikers entering from Kemps Corner junction, going in the wrong direction. In response to these concerns, locals had requested the BMC to address the issue of wrong-way traffic.

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The traffic police also recommended the installation of spike speed breakers, which led to their implementation two days ago, as stated by the BMC official. If necessary, the BMC will consider installing spikes at another location on the same road, the official added. The movement of vehicles in the wrong direction from Kemps Corner to Kamala Nehru Park puts other vehicles and pedestrians at risk, emphasised another official.

The decision to install the spike speed breaker has been well-received by local residents. Pic/Sameer Markande

In May 2023, Joint Police Commissioner Pravin Kumar Padwal wrote a letter to the BMC's D ward assistant municipal commissioner, suggesting the installation of a "tyre killer" on B G Kher Marg. The road from Hanging Garden to Kemp's Corner on Kher Marg is a one-way road, but many motorcycle riders have been observed travelling in the opposite direction towards Hanging Garden from Kemps Corner.

Padwal expressed concerns about potential accidents at this location and proposed the installation of a "tyre killer" near Kemp's Corner Junction, close to the Spenta Building, to deter motorcycle riders travelling in the wrong direction.

The decision to install the spike speed breaker has been well-received by local residents. Indrani Malkani, a resident of Malabar Hill, stated that the authorities had to take this step to deter riders who break the rules, as their actions not only endanger their own lives but also put others at risk.

However, traffic expert Sudhir Badami expressed his displeasure with the installation of such speed breakers. Badami voiced concerns that even a minor accident at the location could result in serious injuries. Instead, he suggested taking penal action against those who violate traffic rules.

According to news reports, Pune traffic police had ordered a private society to remove similar tyre killer speed breakers. Amanora Township had installed tyre killers in 2018 to deter wrong-side driving, but the Pune traffic police deemed them too sharp and dangerous, thus requesting their removal.

"This is right. In many countries, such measures are taken. Policing is important. However, such measures prevent rule breakers. A few days ago in Noida, a school bus was coming from the wrong side and had a serious accident. Such measures can prevent such incidents. Road marking is also essential," said Retired Director General of Police PS Pasricha.

May 2023
When suggestion for tyre killer was made