Parking in the ‘no-parking’ zone can attract a fine of ₹500, but a clear signboard at the vegetable market in Karimnagar town does little to dissuade vehicle users. Adding to the chaos at the busy area, traders sell their products right in the middle of the road. And all of this happens as traffic cops prefer to look the other way.
What’s more, the traffic police have placed a barricade that allows autorickshaws to park illegally on the busy road at RTC Bus Station complex, causing inconvenience to road users and pedestrians.
The Karimnagar Commissionerate of Police is focusing more on the enforcement of the helmet rule, and seems to have neglected the issue of illegal parking and other traffic woes of the residents.
On one hand, officials say they beautified the 14.5-km R&B roads in the town to ensure smooth movement of vehicles and give footpath space to pedestrians. But at the RTC Bus Station complex used by hundreds of people every day, the footpath is unusable as the road is barricaded by the police for autorickshaw parking — despite a huge parking space in the bus complex.
Merely erecting signboards and making lofty statements would not set right the traffic situation in the town, says Lok Satta Udyama Samstha district secretary Prakash Holla. “When the police is according so much importance to helmet use, why can’t they implement other traffic rules with as much sincerity?” he asks.
Mr. Holla says residents find it difficult to walk at the busy tower circle area, leave alone park vehicles. He suggests that the authorities concerned take up joint operations with elected representatives and civic authorities for the removal of encroachments on roads.