This story is from November 20, 2015

Crackdown on illegal parking near airport

Crackdown on illegal parking near airport
KOLKATA: If you ask your driver to wait on VIP Road or radio cabbies to park on the approach to Kolkata airport, be prepared to cough up a steep fine as well. Bidhannagar traffic police have begun a major crackdown on illegal parking at Baguiati and Kaikhali, armed with fine receipt books, licence puncher, CCTV cameras and even tow vehicles.
In the first week of the drive, 60-odd vehicles have been fined.
Now, police will also tow away illegally parked vehicles and the owner has to pay the tow charges apart from the fine.
While motorists will be bristling at being denied what they considered a right so far, police say the crackdown is a necessity as cars block service lanes and even the main VIP thoroughfare. The problem gets more acute after the Haldiram crossing, say traffic inspectors. Moreover, cars parked in the vicinity of the airport are a security threat.
"The approach roads to the airport and the stretch up to the new terminal building must remain free of traffic. Or else, emergency vehicles like fire engines and airport inspection jeeps will not have free access to strategic points. Unauthorized parking in these areas poses a security risk to the airport," said a Bidhannagar police officer.
"Now that the parking issues at the airport have been amicably resolved, we will try and bring discipline back on the roads. There is no reason why service roads, important for the movement of local residents, should be blocked. We are seeking the help of Bidhannagar Corporation to declare specific areas as no-parking zones. The corporation will earmark dedicated parking lots for which we are providing them assistance," said ADCP-traffic and New Town Shivani Tiwari.

Police say they the airport authorities are cooperating in the crackdown on errant vehicles and drivers. While first-time offenders will be fined Rs 100 and let off, repeat violators will have their vehicles towed away and driver's licences punched. CCTV cameras set up at VIP Road-Jessore Road crossing that can record number plates are proving invaluable in the drive, police say. "We will set up more such cameras on VIP Road so that we have evidence if we are challenged by drivers," an officer said.
For the first time, every challan in this zone will be handed over with photo/video evidence, say sources.
Adequate deployment of traffic cops has been made for the crackdown. An officer said the law violation had continued so long because of a staff crunch at and the absence of wreckers and tow-cranes. The authorities have been approached to boost staff strength of police stations for effective patrolling.
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