An unauthorised parking lot for cycles and motorcycles on a service lane on Grand Southern Trunk (GST) Road, abutting the Chromepet bus stop, was removed recently by the Chennai Traffic Police (CTP) recently, thanks to efforts taken by V. Santhanam, a social activist and resident of New Colony, Chromepet.
The septuagenarian submitted a petition to the CM’s Cell, complaining about haphazard and illegal parking of vehicles on both sides of the lane, which was hampering free flow of vehicular traffic. The petition was forwarded to the CTP. Based on this, the CTP registered more than 90 cases of illegal parking and levied spot fines.
Santhanam, said, “I have been sending several representations, for more than a decade, to the District Collectorate, Pallavapuram Municipality, the State Highways Department and the Chennai Traffic Police. However, all my efforts have gone in vain. Despite poor response from the officials concerned, I did not give up. As a last resort, I submitted a petition to the CM-Cell two months ago.”
Following clearance of illegal parking lots on GST Road, residents have also requested the authorities to take action against haphazard parking of vehicles on the the MIT Flyover service lane.
There are many commercial establishments on the service lane.
Visitors to these establishments park their vehicles on both the sides of the service lane, hindering free flow of vehicular traffic. Two-wheeler mechanics use the stretch as mechanic sheds. “ Moreover, the pavements here are uneven and broken at several places,” S. Srimathy, a resident, said.
With regard to the parking of vehicles near MIT flyover, Santhanam said, “The State Highways Department can landscape the area beneath the grade separator and facilitate a parking lot, which is overgrown with plants. The space is also used as a dumping ground and is home to vagabonds.”
When contacted, an official at the Chennai Traffic Police Control Room (South and East), said, “We have been warning people not to park their vehicles on the carriageway and we tow cars and other vehicles at periodic intervals. Despite this, the practice continues. Steps would be taken soon to clear illegal parking near the flyover.”
