Chennai: Rakki Cinemas present at Ambattur Redhills Road is quite famous among movie lovers. But for one to reach the place, one has to cross the multitude of vehicles illegally parked there.
“It is quite appalling, the rate at which people just park their vehicles as they please. The problem is that there are many banks, offices and hospitals at the junction. Plus, there are bus stops. No matter how well traffic is regulated, the menace continues,” said Chandru, a commuter.
The vehicles that are parked on the side of the road do not give space for them to walk safely, claim pedestrians. “They can park their vehicles at the side of the road but not on pavements. Where will we people walk then? If we get hurt while walking on the road, who would take up the responsibility?,” said Janani, a pedestrian.
Residents want authorities to regulate parking at the spot at all times. “Firstly, officials need to ensure that they tow illegally parked vehicles and fine owners. Secondly, they should do it everyday. It would make no sense asking people to walk everywhere. Thus, the cops must allow vehicles to park at specified places. This would reduce illegal parking. Thirdly, pedestrians must be advised to walk only on the platform and not on the road. If more and more people walk on the pavement, motorists themselves would not attempt parking on sidewalks,” said Harish, a resident.
“Specified parking zones can be done. Like at Marina, if such spaces are given, within a few weeks, motorists can be disciplined. It only takes simple planning and strict execution,” he said.
Abdul, a student, when asked about the issue stated the above and added that banks, hospitals, offices and other establishments that do not provide parking must be fined. “Had they provided place, people would not leave their vehicles on the road. But in most cases, the managements order their securities to direct people to leave their vehicles outside. If motorists are penalised, so should be those who contribute to the issue,” he said.