A recently published study says that traffic snarls in capital Dhaka cost $4.6 billion a year in lost time, fuel and health consequences, among other elements. Not just Dhaka, with the increasing population the problem of traffic control has become very acute in almost all the big cities of this country. The increase in traffic has also increased the number of traffic accidents and our roads are growing dangerous day by day. Unfortunately, we have little traffic sense and apparently little respect for the traffic rules. No doubt, bad roads, high speed driving and poor navigational skills by inexperienced drivers are the main causes of traffic jams as well as accidents. Experts suggest that slow moving traffic has more damaging effect on the roads.

Due to congestion and queuing problems on the roads, the fuel consumption and vehicle operating cost is increased. The consumption of more fuel leads to spending of more foreign exchange to import oil. Traffic jams is an area where precious hours get wasted and if anyone is heading for a hospital in case of an emergency, then the patient can only look up to Providence for mercy. The area for parking vehicles, in metros especially is constantly shrinking under pressure from the rising number of cars and bikes.

In modern economics time is measured in monetary terms and has significant value, considering the total time lost by all motorists. Moreover the drivers having been stuck up in the traffic jams and queues feel more stressed and this is one of the causes of accidents. Traffic congestion affects the environment adversely. There is more smoke and noise. The oil spillage on the roads is also increased. Polluted environments have grave consequences for human health.

If the authorities are sincere about resolving the problem of congestion, they should improve public transport and discourage the use of private car ownership. There is an urgent need for increasing the number of local buses and their routes. Travelling on public vehicles should be made frequent, efficient, comfortable and safe with special attention to the needs of elderly, children, and women passengers. In many countries, the concept of integrated transport has been introduced and implemented. A fully integrated transport system is one that allows all users to move easily between different modes of transport.

Another issue that needs urgent attention is provision of facilities for pedestrians. Walking for relatively shorter distances is good for health and environments. Proper raised footpaths along the roads should be provided. The provision of safe crossing facilities for the pedestrians is also important.