Flyovers to remain closed post 8 pm to prevent racing

Chennai

Though Kamarajar Salai used to be the hotspot for drag racing for youngsters, they could no longer use the stretch due to intensified patrolling ever since lockdown came into effect. In May, in the peak lockdown, youngsters were seen speeding on Anna Salai on their bikes. Now, they seem to have shifted the racing to flyovers and bridges, particularly in North Chennai, sources said.

A few days ago, after 15 youngsters were seen racing on Murasoli Maran flyover, Perambur and Sembium police personnel have been instructed to comb the CCTV footage to identify them.

When contacted, a senior officer from traffic police said ever since a group of youngsters were caught for bike racing in the city roads in Royapettah and Santhome, instructions were given to all the subordinates to close the flyovers after 8 pm restricting people from using the flyover. “It is not just to restrict youngsters racing, but to avoid untoward incidents in general,” he said.

Official sources said the other routes favoured by the youth are Outer Ring Road and Ennore Express Highway. Early this year, an autorickshaw mechanic-cum-racer had died after an accident while racing on Irumbuliyur-Maduravoyal bypass road.