Siliguri, 11th August: Traffic police have intensified action against illegal roadside parking in Siliguri following the introduction of a new parking facility at the Kanchenjunga Stadium Fairground. On Tuesday, a drive was conducted in Khudiram Pally, Bidhan Road and adjoining areas.
Following the inauguration of the parking facility, traffic police had clearly stated that vehicles would not be allowed to park on city roads. Despite the directive, several vehicles were found parked along roads and narrow lanes in different parts of the city, prompting enforcement action.
During the drive under Panitanki Traffic Guard, several vehicles parked in Khudiram Pally and adjoining lanes were lifted onto recovery vans. Vehicle owners were reportedly fined for illegal parking.
Meanwhile, some local traders raised concerns over the lack of adequate parking space in the area. They claimed that although many residential and commercial buildings have parking facilities, parking spaces have allegedly been sold by some promoters or building authorities, leaving insufficient space for vehicles belonging to traders and local residents.
The traders said they were therefore compelled to park their vehicles along the roadside.
A verbal altercation also broke out between some traders and traffic police during the drive. Traffic police, however, stated that legal action would be taken if vehicles occupying roads create obstruction to traffic movement.