CHENNAI: Illegal parking near the Thambu (C) Street and Collectorate Office bus stops on Ibrahim Sahib Road and Rajaji Road is making it almost impossible for buses to pick up or drop off passengers, leading to traffic congestion in the area.
The problem has intensified after a temporary Royapuram bus terminus was established on Ibrahim Sahib Main Road, resulting in a substantial increase in public movement and the number of buses operating through the area.
Vehicles are parked daily along the roads near both bus stops. When buses stop to pick up or drop off passengers, other vehicles behind them are forced to wait, causing traffic snarls. Passengers also have to navigate around parked vehicles, with some forced to stand on the carriageway while waiting for buses.
A passenger, Sudha, said, “Some are forced to stand on the road while waiting for buses. Senior citizens and others face difficulties as they have to walk around the parked vehicles. Since there is not enough space for parking, vehicles being parked in public use areas are also causing traffic congestion.”
Another resident said that vehicles belonging to people living in the area as well as travel agencies were being parked along the roadside despite warnings from the police. “People living in the area park their vehicles along the roadside. Those operating travel agencies also park their vehicles here. Police officials have already warned people against parking vehicles in the area but without enforcement, it’s all mere words,” lamented resident Nagalakshmi.
Meanwhile, motorists travelling from the Bharathi Women’s College junction towards the temporary Royapuram bus stop have also been accused of violating the one-way traffic rule. Residents said that such violations had resulted in accidents near the Linghi Chetty Street turn close to the bus stop.
A traffic police official told DT Next vehicles parked near the bus stops would be removed at the earliest. “Appropriate fines will be imposed on those who violate the rules by parking vehicles in the area,” the official said.