KOCHI:Are the city traffic cops robots who are programmed only for certain jobs? The way they are handling the illegal parking issue proves this. Even after being faced with the problem for many years and also having the power, they show no zeal in cracking down on this menace. The only thing they do is stick notices on the vehicles that break the law. What they fail to understand is that this won’t curb the problem.
The Canal Road, which became a short cut to reach the southern part of the city from Kaloor after GCDA widened it by acquiring land, is now a sore sight due to illegal parking. The main culprits are the people who come to the nearby hospital and business establishments. These people, however, blame the hospital authorities, who they say force them to park their vehicles on the stretch.
“The police are just robots. They don’t use their brains to curtail illegal parking. This not the only road suffering from illegal parking. The only thing the cops are good for is to stick notices on vehicles,” said Padmakumar, who had to bear the brunt of illegal parking on Canal Road when he visited the hospital.
Though the corporation erected no parking boards at Canal Road, it has become redundant. “The hospital authority and the business firms are responsible for illegal parking here. The cops do not dare to take action against these big shots. We don’t understand how they got the building permit without providing sufficient parking space in their plans. Even the corporation authorities are responsible for this menace,” said an advocate on condition of anonymity.
The police, however, claim that staff shortage is causing the delay. “The personnel who were deputed for the election duty are yet to join. After receiving complaints we have started issuing notices. Any how more action will be taken against those who violate the rule,” said Sajan Koikkal, assistant commissioner, Traffic.