KAKKANAD: The ‘City Express’ report ‘Here is the Road to Perdition’ seems to have cajoled the district administration from its slumber. District Collector M G Rajamanickam has issued an order banning parking of trucks carrying containers along the Container Road.
The report, that was published in ‘City Express’ on March 16, had highlighted how accidents have become the main feature of the Container Road due to illegal parking of trucks carrying shipments.
The District Collector also directed the Cochin Port Trust and Dubai Port World to immediately arrange parking facility for hundreds of trucks, that arrive here to collect containers, within five days. The Collector has instructed the Motor Vehicle Department and the Police Department to implement the ban.
“I have also directed the authorities concerned to ban parking in 100 meter radius of the main junction. If they fail to implement the directive strict action will be taken against them,” Collector said.
The order came after the Collector visited the road along with the Motor Vehicle Department officials on Friday.
He also held talks with the Dubai World and also the Port Trust officials regarding the issue.
Earlier, the District Collector had called a meeting at the Camp Office in which he had directed the Port Trust and FACT to set up a parking yard for the container vehicles.
He had also fixed January 31 as the deadline. But nothing came out of it and the trucks carrying containers continued to be parked along the road turning it into a death trap for motorists.
The District Collector also lashed out against the National Highway Authorities for not putting up ‘No Parking’ sign along the stretch.
“It is the responsibility of the Port Trust and Dubai World to arrange parking facility for the trucks. We will not permit any vehicle to park along the stretch and if we find anyone breaking the diktat, case will be charged against them along with imposition of a fine. NHAI is also responsible for the accidents that have taken place in the area,” the Collector said.
He also asked NHAI authorities to remove unscientific breakers installed along the stretch. He also visited Cheranallur, Manjummal, Aanavathil and Kalamassery junctions where the accidents had taken place last week. The Collector also directed NHAI to give information to the police department regarding the construction works happening along the stretch. He also asked NHAI to deploy workers to divert traffic at these spots. More actions will be taken in the next Road Transport Authority meeting, the Collector said.