Road users moving on the main thoroughfares in the city can heave a sense of relief with the city police enforcing curbs on marches and processions.
The District Police Chief (Thiruvananthapuram city) P. Prakash said that permission for demonstrations and rallies would be given only between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. from Monday onwards as part of stringent measures to prevent traffic disruptions on the city roads. Strong legal steps will be initiated against those defying the order and undertaking demonstrations without prior permission.
According to Mr. Prakash, the restriction has been necessitated by the increasing traffic congestion caused by several rallies that were conducted during the last few days in the city. With the Onam season approaching, the police anticipated close to 6,000 vehicles to take to the city roads on an average daily. Under the circumstances, frequent demonstrations, particularly during the peak hours, is bound to inconvenience the public.
Parking will not be permitted on roads where demonstrations will be taken out. Restrictions will also be imposed in parking on the other roads during the period. Vehicles will be diverted from the main roads while demonstrations were on between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
The move is expected to benefit the public during Onam festivities with many expected to throng the shopping centres on the LMS and Attakulangara corridors.
