Bikes take over New Town pavement, no-parking zone
Times of India | 24 February 2024
Kolkata: Residents of New Town have alerted police about a stretch in the township, where two-wheelers are being regularly parked on the pavement and road despite it being declared a no-parking zone. A resident, who is also a local body member,has filed a police complaint in this regard.
According to locals, bikes and bicycles used by app-based delivery personnel are being regularly parked on the pavement and on the first lane next to the kerb in violation of a no-parking sign that has been put up there. “This has been going on for the last six to seven months. These bikes completely block the footpath and the left lane, making it difficult to turn onto the road,”said Biswajit Bagchi, a resident of New Town BD Block. Locals said other areas in the township were also being plagued by the problem of two-wheelers being parked on pavements. “There is space to park vehicles inside office premises but many still choose to park on the roadside and even on pavements,” said a local resident.
“Many local residents have been complaining about the problem. I have informed the traffic police to look into the matter,” said Anupam Maity, a member of Jyanra Hatiara gram panchayat.
Urging authorities to come up with a solution, Samaresh Das of New Town Forum & News (NTFN) said bikes parked on both sides of the road often reduce the motorable space. As per the New Town Kolkata Development Authority norm, no parking should be done obstructing traffic on the roads and blocking the adjacent plots or buildings abutting the street. There should be no parking within five meters of any street crossing. An officer of New Town traffic guard said they will inspect the spot. NKDA has been demarcating many stretches across New Town as 24-hour ‘fee-parking zones’ to regularise the parking system and prevent unauthorised collection of parking fees.