Gurgaon car-free day focuses on illegal on-street parking

The car-free day this Tuesday focused on the menace of illegal on-street parking, especially along Mehrauli-Gurgaon Road.

“There is a massive problem of illegal parking along Mehrauli-Gurgaon Road and other roads in the city. If these cars are removed, there will be more space for smoother traffic flow. However, many drivers are repeat offenders and we will take strict action against them,” said Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Balbir Singh.

The menace on Mehrauli-Gurgaon Road is more prominent despite parking spaces available within several malls along the road. The police have made several attempts to control this menace and will continue to do the same, added Mr. Singh.

The car-free day team and the police helped clear illegally parked vehicles. The police team also shouted slogans, asking residents to give up their cars every Tuesday. A challan drive for traffic violators was also conducted.

According to the 2010 Integrated Mobility Plan (IMP) for Gurgaon, about 11,000 vehicles are parked on various roads on a normal working day, with maximum illegal parking at Mehrauli-Gurgaon Road.

The car-free day rally began from HUDA City Centre metro station and moved towards M.G. Road. Led by Mr. Singh, it ended near Sahara Mall on M.G. Road.

The nearly four-km rally began at 9 a.m. Interestingly, the rally was supported by auto drivers parked near HUDA City Centre metro station. The auto drivers, who form the backbone of public transport and last mile connectivity in Gurgaon, participated enthusiastically, rode cycles and shouted slogans including “ Mangalwar (Tuesday), no car.”