The Dhaka Elevated Expressway, a game-changer in a city notorious for traffic congestion, has witnessed a surge in speeding vehicles, reaching speeds of 80, 90, and even 100km per hour since its inauguration. Despite rules mandating adherence to the 60km per hour speed limit, drivers seem to be exploiting the trial phase of speed cameras installed along the expressway.
While the maximum speed limit is set at 60km per hour, with a reduced limit of 40km per hour on the ramp, there are growing concerns about the extent to which drivers comply with these regulations. The speed cameras, designed to regulate vehicle speed, are currently in the trial phase, creating uncertainties about their enforcement.
Conversations with drivers reveal a mixed compliance scenario, with some following the rules while others blatantly flout them. Many vehicles reportedly enter the expressway at speeds exceeding 80-90km per hour, surpassing the prescribed limit of 60km per hour, and some even breach 100km per hour on empty roads.
The trial phase of the speed cameras has limited the authorities’ ability to provide specific information on speeding incidents. Drivers, aware of camera locations, have adopted tactics such as slowing down near camera spots and accelerating afterward to evade detection.
Lal Chan, a local bus driver using the expressway, stated, “We maintain 60km/h near camera spots, but for the rest, we drive at 70-80km/h. No speeding cases have been filed against us so far.” Similar sentiments were echoed by other drivers, emphasizing a lack of consequences for their driving habits.
Communication experts advocate for informing drivers about the dangers of speeding and suggest imposing fines, in addition to toll fees, to discourage violations. Dhaka Elevated Expressway Project Assistant Engineer Md Junayed cited the need to address technical matters before implementing new measures, given the project’s Public-Private Partnership (PPP) status with foreign investment.
In response to challenges, Buet Assistant Professor Kazi Md Shifun Newaz emphasized educating drivers about the importance of adhering to speed limits. He proposed deducting fines from toll fees, raising awareness, and suggested the installation of traffic police boxes along the route for prompt response to speeding incidents, contributing to a reduction in high-speed driving behavior.
