Cops propose single-flank parking in C Kol to carve out traffic space
Times of India | 9 July 2024
Kolkata: Traffic cops have identified several roads where specific stretches can be used for single-flank parking in central Kolkata and manned by South and East traffic guards.
Among the roads that have been mentioned as possible parking spots are densely congested areas like Camac Street East, Free School Street (between Kyd Street and Marques Street) and Rafi Ahmed Kidwai Road.
The plan is being submitted to KMC for the latter to take a final decision. While one-side parking has been proposed for most stretches, the lone exception is Rafi Ahmed Kidwai Road, where both-side parking has been proposed, leaving “enough road space” for trams to operate. “Rafi Ahmed Kidwai Road witnesses parking on both sides as several commercial vehicle drivers stay here. Hence, two-way parking cannot be wished away here,” said an officer.
“We have found that there is a lot of pressure on parking on these roads. It also makes sense to provide fee parking, which can be a win-win situation for both the motorists and KMC. This will also bring discipline and accountability,” said an officer.
Sources said the spots were selected after two weeks of survey. “We studied the traffic flow and the demand for parking slots. We found people parking without bothering to check if the parking agents are genuine. We have found that we can accommodate around 150-200 vehicles in these parking slots. Once these parking lots become official, there will be accountability,” said an officer.
Motorists though wondered if the tidal parking will also mean changing the parking direction and lane. “A few years, Sarat Bose Road saw tidal parking, with motorists forced to park on the other lane in the morning. This is cumbersome. There is a possibility that we can be subjected to extortion by both cops and parking agents if we fail to move the cars on time,” claimed Somnath Roy, a motorist residing at Ballygunge.
Police said that no specific plans had been suggested in this regard. “Once the permission comes through, we will decide on the specifications. For now, we have marked the length to which we will allow parking,” said an officer at Lalbazar.