Havens for parking, Illegally

KOCHI: The illegal parking of vehicles near a private hospital in Kaloor is narrowing the busy road and driving along the stretch has become a tough job. In addition, the vehicle owners, especially of four-wheelers, are making use of the road near the Mini Muthoottu Tower a safe haven for parking their vehicles.According to the Kochi Corporation authorities, they have not authorised any parking on the canal road next to the Muthoottu Tower. “The tenure of the contract given to a party to collect the parking fees had ended on March 31, 2011. After that, we have repaired the road and have placed a no parking board in the area,” said Division Councillor Gracy Joseph.She said that the Corporation authorities have already written a letter to the traffic police officials, asking them to take action against the lawbreakers. “The illegal parking has been flourishing for a long time and the police have already initiated steps to prevent parking in the area,” she added.Confirming this, the police officials said that in spite of taking adequate steps, the road is still an unofficial parking area for private vehicles. “The traffic police used to stick legal notices on these vehicles levying penalty for unauthorised parking, but people continue to park in the area. It is high time the officials should take some stringent actions rather than levying fine of Rs 500,” said M Radhakrishnan, a resident in the area.“There were complaints by the locals that the illegal parking is creating problems especially during nights,” he added. Regarding the parking on the side of the main road near the hospital, various commuters said that driving through the stretch has become a tough task owing to the motorcycles parked on the either side of the road. “We will officially ask the traffic police officials to take action against those who park their vehicles on side of the main road. The residents in this area are already agitated over the unauthorised parking,” Division Councillor Gracy Joseph said.