Tue Dec 30 13:21:40 UTC 2025: News Article:

Coimbatore Road Safety Threatened by Advertised Barricades

Coimbatore, India – December 30, 2025 – Concerns are mounting in Coimbatore over the increasing number of roadside barricades adorned with advertisements, which are reportedly obstructing visibility and increasing the risk of accidents.

K. Kathirmathiyon, a member of the District Road Safety Committee, has raised the issue, stating that the practice violates Indian Road Congress guidelines and High Court rulings against advertisements on barricades. He emphasized that these barricades, often lacking reflective stickers and strategically placed at U-turns, significantly impede visibility, particularly at night.

“Barricades with full-sheet advertisements are a major concern as they reduce the visibility of vehicles, particularly from the opposite side,” said Kathirmathiyon. “Many barricades block sightlines at U-turns, increasing the risk of accidents.”

Kathirmathiyon argues that road safety measures should be publicly funded and not dependent on commercial establishments. He cited Justice Abhay Manohar Sapre, Chairman of the Supreme Court Committee on Road Safety (SCCoRS), who stressed the preventability of accident-related deaths and the necessity of adequate funding for road safety initiatives.

Responding to the concerns, a senior police official stated that the issue has been acknowledged, and the city has already begun procuring barricades designed to avoid visibility obstruction. Approximately 100 of these new barricades have been deployed with the promise of properly affixed reflective stickers.

Summary:

An article published on December 30, 2025, by The Hindu raises concerns regarding advertisement barricades in Coimbatore that obstruct visibility and create accident hazards. K. Kathirmathiyon of the District Road Safety Committee, highlights the violation of guidelines and court rulings. He argues for government-funded road safety measures. The police official acknowledged the issue and new barricades being deployed for better visibility.

Read More