Where parking, missing cops spark traffic chaos

LUCKNOW: Haphazard parking, wrong side driving and missing traffic policemen are the perfect elements for creating traffic snarls on any busy stretch and the commuters passing through New Berry Road know this best as they face the resultant hassles every day.

The road which connects VIP localities like Butler Palace colony and Dalibagh colony besides state guest house, DGP's office and Ganna Sansthan witnesses unauthorised, haphazard parking of vehicles on roads, squeezing space for vehicles on the move.

As a result, New Berry road, which connects Hazratganj, Gomtinagar and Nishatganj, is hit by traffic snarls almost all through the day, with the situation worsening in peak hours.

In a reality check, TOI found that commuters coming from Shriram Tower and Sikanderbagh crossing and as well as Gomtinagar tend to avoid taking the one-way routes around the central island and ply on the wrong side to reach their destinations.

"The disregard for following traffic rules leads to jams and makes the road prone to accidents," said Akhil Shukla, a businessman.

The illegal, haphazard parking of vehicles on the roads and adjoining areas are the main reason for traffic snarls. TOI found vehicles parked illegally outside business establishments and apartments at many spots eating half of the road space.

As a result, there is heavy traffic jam often extending up to Ashok Marg during evening rush hours from 6pm to 8pm . "This is insane. When when we all know the problem why no action is taken on it. Mahaan hai hamari police," exclaimed Mahak Garg, a housewife.

When questioned about wrong side driving and illegal parking, ASP Traffic RS Nim said, "We have suggested LDA and UP Housing and Development board for creating parking on New Berry road and in all those areas which face the same problem."

"People also need to be responsible. Even shopkeepers park their vehicles outside their shops," said RS Nim.