CHENNAI: Residents of Mandaveli have flagged persistent illegal parking around the Metro Water pumping station both by the lorries owned by the Metro water as well as private vehicles has become increasingly unsafe for both motorists and pedestrians to maneuver
Along the pumping station where the cars, lorries are parked is at the trisection where Madha Church Road, TM Soundararajan Road and Trust Main Road meet.
The busy three-road intersection, residents say several private vehicles are parked along the edges of the pumping station premises almost round the clock, reducing the carriage and blocking sightlines at the junction. With three converging roads and frequent turning movements, the lack of visibility has led to near-miss situations.
“Vehicles are parked right up to the corners of the junction, leaving almost no room to gauge oncoming traffic. If you are turning in from Madha Church Road or Trust Main Road, you have to inch forward blindly. It is especially risky for two-wheelers,” said a resident.
“The lorries of Metro Water too are not moving even after repeated complaints,” said activist Ramesh who further added that authorities lethargically points out to private vehicle parking to justify their incompetence.
“This is not sporadic parking, it happens daily. The pumping station compound has effectively become an informal parking bay” he said.
In addition to traffic concerns, residents have also flagged sanitation issues around the site. The area around the pumping station wall is reportedly being misused for public urination, adding to hygiene concerns and discomfort for those living nearby.
Residents have urged authorities to step up enforcement against illegal parking and improve upkeep in the area to restore safe movement at the junction.