Residents’ associations say illegal parking, rash driving rampant in city

KOCHI: Complaints of illegal parking, rash driving and security threats posed by migrant labourers poured in the meeting of the residents’ association office bearers with City Police officers held here on Saturday.

A majority of the complaints was regarding unauthorised parking and rash driving. The residents also raised the issue of waste dumping on roads before the cops.

Surendran of Dhanya Residents’ Association, Panangad, raised the issue of illegal parking of lorries causing traffic congestion on Container Road.

Viswanathan of Sree Narayana Residents’ Association said migrant labourers were wandering in the late hours causing a security issue. Replying to this, DCP A R Premkumar said the police will intensify its patrolling at night.

Premkumar ensured immediate action will be taken according to the nature of the issue reported. He also said zebra lines will be drawn on the required places on Kaloor - Kadavanthra Road and parking areas will be expanded soon.

Other major issues raised by the residents were banning of late-night trades on Market Road, lack of proper bus stops on Kaloor - Kadavanthra Road, need of police patrolling on pocket roads, and widening of the road near Lulu Mall.

However, DCP informed the meeting late-night trade could not be banned as it is permitted by the authorities.

“If any security issue is reported, the department will initiate necessary steps,” he said. The representatives also raised the traffic congestion near Lulu Mall due to the narrow road.

According to them, the issue will be solved only if the road is widened. The officers ensured fast and free movement of traffic after completing the ongoing works of Kochi Metro as the traffic congestion was mainly due it.

“Two-wheelers using the Valanjambalam Road violate the speed limit and the number of accidents has increased,” said another resident.

The officers informed Janamaithri police officers will be deployed in the specified area after 8 pm. The parking issue in front of Lakshmi Hospital will be discussed with the management, he said. The City Police is holding monthly meetings with residents’ association representatives as part of strengthening the policing by coordinating with the associations.