Despite mounting protests, the traffic police are unlikely to enforce ban on lorry parking on South Beach. The police clarified that they could not take action until the city corporation provided an alternative space for parking.
According to the police, the corporation authorities and trade unions are well aware of the dilemma, and it is unfair to put the entire blame on the police. They also argued that residents in and around Kuttichira and South Beach, who are now holding a signature campaign against “police apathy”, have a clear picture of the issue.
In the wake of the police-corporation stand-off, lorry operators reiterated that they would spare the existing spot once another convenient location was made available. For them, the concern is only space that can accommodate at least 300 trucks at a time and their trouble-free entry and exit.
“We have already communicated our stance to the corporation authorities and the police. We have no issues with relocating to another spot. What we demand are basic amenities for drivers and a trouble-free parking space,” said K.K. Hamsa, president, Kerala Lorry Owners Welfare Federation. He made it clear that the corporation proposal to develop a parking space near Puthiyangadi was also acceptable if it was completed on time.
Meanwhile, the local residents’ coordination committee at Kuttichira alleged that trade union leaders, especially CITU leaders, were adamant on their stand against ban on parking on South Beach, claiming that it would affect business. They also accused CITU leaders of threatening those campaigning for the ban.
“The police and trade union leaders are cheating the public through their hide-and-seek game. There is also political pressure on the police not to act against lorry drivers for using the spot,” claimed committee coordinator O. Mammudu. He added that lorry operators and the police had been ignoring the order issued jointly by the district administration and the corporation.
“We have already collected over 3,500 signatures. A mass petition with around 10,000 signatures will be submitted to the district administration,” Mr. Mammudu said. He added that residents association members were constantly in touch with the corporation authorities to enforce the ban after making alternative arrangements.