Bidhannagar Police crack down on illegal parking in Salt Lake
Times of India | 28 March 2025
12 Kolkata: More than 100 cars parked illegally on major Salt Lake thoroughfares, encroaching upon carriageways and portions of pavements while hindering the smooth movement of vehicles, were prosecuted in a planned drive by Bidhannagar City Police on Thursday.
Police said the drive followed repeated complaints from public transport operators about growing traffic snarls on some of the major Salt Lake roads like Broadway, First Avenue, Second Avenue, and Third Avenue.
"We received multiple complaints from bus operators as well as motorists headed to Sector V and New Town through Salt Lake about growing traffic snarls and encroachment on footpaths, especially along the main thoroughfares. This prompted us to start a drive on Thursday, and we will continue this as part of action," said a senior officer of Bidhannagar City Police.
On Thursday, at least four teams of Bidhannagar Traffic Police, led by DCP Traffic Nima Norbu Bhutia and DC Bidhannagar Aneesh Sarkar, conducted the drive along multiple roads of Salt Lake between morning and evening, prosecuting vehicles parked on the road without drivers and warning those where drivers were present.
"It's the first day of the drive. So, we warned the majority of the drivers, asking them not to park their cars on the road illegally or face major prosecutions. However, those cars which were parked on the road for a long time without drivers were prosecuted," said the officer.
Cops said the errant motorists were prosecuted under Motor Vehicles Act 122 (leaving vehicles in such a position to cause or likely to cause danger, obstruction, or undue inconvenience to any road user) and 177 (No Parking), which accounts for a penalty of Rs 500.
TOI has time and again written about escalating illegal parking issues in Salt Lake that obstruct roads and sidewalks, causing inconvenience and safety concerns for residents and commuters.
Recent collaborative meetings between Bidhannagar Municipal Corporation and the police have led to awareness campaigns urging residents with garages to utilise them for parking – and not convert them into homes for caretakers – rather than leaving vehicles on the streets.
The police have also started patrolling neighbourhoods with loudhailers, requesting residents to refrain from parking on roads and encroaching upon pavements. While the current approach focuses on warnings and awareness, officials have indicated that persistent violators may face higher fines in the future.
Residents have expressed mixed reactions. Some acknowledge the necessity of these measures to ensure smoother traffic flow and pedestrian safety. Others, particularly those with multiple vehicles or without adequate garage space, voice concerns about the lack of sufficient parking facilities.
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