Encroachments of platforms and walkways by traders and shops continue to force pedestrians to use busy roads as an alternative. Narrow roads in the city are also witnessing traffic congestion and accidents.
While traders encroach upon the roads for displaying various products, some of the restaurants and shops use them as parking lot for two-wheelers.
Despite repeated evictions by the Coimbatore Municipal Corporation and the police, the problem persists in Town Hall, Oppanakkara Street, Ram Nagar, R.S. Puram, Ukkadam, Dr. Nanjappa Road, Cross Cut Road and Avarampalayam Road.
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“Major traders including textile majors are encroaching upon platforms meant for pedestrians. In Ram Nagar, even roads are encroached upon by two-wheeler traders to park their vehicles,” said K. Kathirmathiyon of Coimbatore Consumer Cause.
He pointed out that even the concept of platform selling was ridiculous as platforms were meant for pedestrians.
On Tuesday, Town Planning department of the Coimbatore Corporation removed encroachments on Dr. Nanjappa Road.
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A. Senthil Baskar, Assistant Town Planning Officer (Central Zone), said that encroachments on Dr. Nanjappa Road were removed by the traders themselves after officials from Town Planning department visited the area.
“In the Central Zone, the civic body is conducting eviction drives every week to remove such encroachments. Action is being initiated against those repeatedly encroaching upon pedestrian walkways,” said Mr. Baskar.
According to Mr. Kathirmathiyon, also a member of Coimbatore District Road Safety-cum-Traffic Advisory Committee, punishment in the form of imposing heavy fine or impounding the products must be followed to deal with repeated offenders.
He said that officers should also be held accountable for inaction.
“As roads are meant for the safety of road users, platforms and walkways should be meant exclusively for pedestrians,” he added.