NASHIK: Since July, the Nashik City Police started the towing operation in the city to tow vehicles from ‘no parking zones’ and teach a lesson to unruly motorists and drivers. Citizens allege that as there are no proper parking spots in the main city, they need to park in no-parking zones.
Parking on roads is the last resort for citizens as the administration hasn’t created proper parking spaces at public places in the main city. However, the city police were open to objections and suggestions from the public before initiating the towing operation.
No one came up with the parking issue during that time. The city police only received a few suggestions. Now, the citizens have kick-started the blame game. Instead of accusing the administration, the drivers should follow the rules and park at the designated places.
Speaking of parking space, the Nashik Municipal Corporation, district administration, and Nashik City Police need to create a proper plan to create adequate parking spaces in the city and end the daily traffic congestion arising due to vehicles parked on roads.
Many citizens leave their vehicles parked on the road and get off to finish their work and other items. However, their vehicles cause traffic congestion and waste the time of other drivers.
To correct these unruly drivers, the traffic police took punitive action against them. However, as the fines system didn’t bear fruit, the police started the towing operation in various parts of the city.
On various social media handles, citizens posted slogans demanding a parking space first and then a strict action if drivers still fail to comply. Under Smart City work, parking spaces have been allotted at various points in the city.
However, some drivers and motorists still park their vehicles in the no parking zone and create chaos unnecessarily. Since the towing operation kick-started, parking hassle has somewhat reduced in the city.
Bicycle track turned into a parking lot
The Smart Road in the city was inaugurated two years ago. To reduce pollution and promote bicycles’ usage, a cycle track was constructed between sidewalk and main road on both sides to help bicyclists ride the town without any obstruction. However, the cycle track is being utilized for illegal parking.
There is only one direction sign for the cycle track from Ashok Stambh to Trimbak Naka. In addition, this road leads to important buildings like District Collectorate, Home Guard Office, District Sessions Court, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Stadium, and Central Bus Station.
Therefore, this road is considered one of the busiest roads in the city. Citizens who come for work in this area have no space for parking. Parking in the courtroom is reserved for lawyers. Therefore, vehicle owners park their vehicles on sidewalks and cycle tracks.
