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Encroachments leave no space for commuters

Rajesh Nair

Apathy in enforcing traffic rules

PONDICHERRY: Encroachments on pavement and parking of vehicles on either side of the road are causing problems to pedestrians and vehicle users in Pondicherry.

A good number of shops have extended their facilities onto the pavement, making it difficult for pedestrians to walk. This is more so on J.N. Street, a main business hub. Some shops have even built permanent structures on the footpath. And the two-wheeler riders have encroached upon almost all footpaths by parking their vehicles.

A glaring example of official apathy in enforcing traffic rules is near the Odiansalai police station. A signboard opposite the station reads ``walk on the footpath''. But two-wheelers have been parked on the pavement.

Police version

The traffic police say that preventing the two-wheeler riders from parking their vehicles on the pavement will lead to more traffic problems on the road. "If we do it they will have to park the vehicles on the road side," said a traffic policeman posted near the Odiansalai station.

On encroachments by business establishments, the police say they can do little about it. "We warn them and sometimes levy a fine but after a day or two they will do the same thing. We cannot go beyond a point. For strict enforcement, the political side has to take measures," said a senior official.

The shop owners say "if we don't put articles in front of the shops the vendors will occupy the space."

Statistics available with the Transport department show that 17,100 two-wheelers were registered in 2002-03 and this number went up to 22,200 in 2003-04 and 24,800 in 2004-05.

The number of four-wheelers registered during 2002-03 was 911 and in the next year the figure increased to 1,522.

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