The operation of the automatic traffic signal on a clockwise sequence, after a recent retrofitting, at the busy Head Post Office roundabout appears to be jeopardising the safety of motorists.

The automatic traffic signal at the intersection had been functioning on an anti-clockwise sequence as elsewhere in the city for long. But after the recent upgrade, the sequence has been changed to closewise direction.

Although a similar change was made at the automatic traffic signal at the nearby Mutherayar statue junction in Cantonment, it was quickly changed to anti-clockwise sequence within a few days. However, the signal at the Head Post Office intersection continues to function on a clockwise sequence.

Due to this motorists waiting on the left side start moving even before the vehicles from one side cross the intersection safely. The tendency of motorists to rush without stopping when the signal has turned to orange from green heightens the possibility of accidents

When the traffic signal functions on an anti-clockwise direction, motorists crossing the intersection from one side get a vital few seconds to pass through before vehicles waiting on the right side start moving in.

“Due to the change in the sequence, we often have to rush through the intersection before the vehicles from the left side start moving ahead. Often vehicles coming in two directions converge at the centre. This is quite dangerous,” observed R.Gopal, a city resident.

“Although the retrofitted traffic signals and the timers look brighter, the anomaly in the sequence needs to be changed,” observed C. Balasubramanian, a former member of the District Road Safety Council.

When contacted, a senior traffic wing official said the matter would be looked into.

Mr. Balasubramanian also observed that the traffic signal at the Major Saravanan Memorial roundabout was non-functional for the past few months calling for steps to restore them at the earliest.